Former Wales international and British & Irish Lion Lee Byrne has been captivated by the opening two rounds of this year’s Championship. And Byrne has selected the players that he believes are pushing their case for selection for the Lions’ Tour to South Africa in 2021.

At 34, lock Alun Wyn Jones might be coming to the end of his glittering career. But Byrne feels his former Wales team-mate is showing no signs of slowing up and can make a fourth Lions Tour before hanging up his boots. “Don’t write him off, he is a warrior,” Byrne said. “His presence and leadership around the field is massive.” Wing Josh Adams will be aiming to represent the Lions for the first time in South Africa and Byrne has been impressed by what he has seen having notched a hat-trick in the win over Italy. “He was released early on in his career and because of that he knows how important it is to be at the top of your game every week,” Byrne said. “He is hungry and goes looking for work.” Byrne has also backed flanker Justin Tipuric and fly-half Dan Biggar, who both toured New Zealand in 2017, to be in contention for a place on the plane to South Africa. “Tipuric is another player that seems to be getting better,” Byrne said. “Biggar’s game has moved onto another level and is looking the complete No.10.”

A defeat to France was not the way England would have wanted to start the Six Nations but Jonny May bagged a brace in Paris. And Byrne has identified the wing as a player that could make Warren Gatland’s squad along with back-row duo Tom Curry and Sam Underhill. “May has been exceptional,” Byrne said. “The two tries he scored against France were absolutely world class. He plays with a lot of passion and looks like a real winner.” Curry and Underhill starred at the World Cup and were influential in England’s recent win over Scotland at BT Murrayfield. “Curry has got to be there or thereabouts for Lions selection,” Byrne added. “He is just outstanding over the ball and reminds me a bit of Sam Warburton in his younger days. “He and Underhill are terrific young talents. They have really stood out, especially Underhill in that weather in Scotland.”

Victories over Scotland and Wales have seen Ireland climb to second in the standings, level on points with leaders France. Byrne feels tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong has been key to their success and has “transformed the way props play the game”. “He has been really good in the opening two rounds,” Byrne said. “We have always had props that can run but he is got the all-round ability to stand at first or second receiver. He is leading the way.” Byrne is also a big fan of wing Jacob Stockdale and full-back Jordan Larmour as the duo look to get into the Lions set-up. “It was a shock selection with Rob Kearney not being picked but I think Jordan has justified it,” Byrne said. “He’s a real livewire and really dangerous. “If he could get his defence right which I am sure he will with Andy Farrell there I think he could be there or thereabouts.”

It is fair to say this year’s Six Nations has not gone to plan for Stuart Hogg, with the electrifying full-back featuring in defeats to Ireland and England. But Byrne is convinced Hogg will bounce back and continue his bid for a third Lions Tour. “One or two mistakes doesn’t mean you are a bad player,” Byrne said. “He is a world-class operator at 15 so for me he will definitely be going to South Africa. “The hard grounds in South Africa will really suit his counter attacking running game.” Byrne also reckons lock Jonny Gray could be in the frame for Lions selection. The forward featured in Scotland’s first two games only for a hand injury to rule him out for the rest of the Six Nations. “He’s a big carrier, strong in the lineout and good around the park,” Byrne added. “He is another one that could make it.”