Each week we will be asking rugby journalists as well as Lions legends to review all the action from the leagues and competitions to see which players are putting their names in contention for the Lions Tour of Australia this summer. This week's Lions Watch is written by Paul Martin.
Knockout places were sealed following Round 4 of Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup clashes, which again saw several Lions hopefuls impress.
There were no shortage of standout displays from those playing at fly-half this weekend. At Twickenham Stoop, Marcus Smith led Harlequins into the last 16 as they defeated reigning URC champions Glasgow Warriors 24-7. The England man’s flat, fizzing passes helped keep Quins on the front foot in South West London – he helped orchestrate the move which sent his international teammate Chandler Cunningham-South over early on – while he kicked effectively throughout both from hand and the tee. His namesake Fin Smith stood out for Northampton Saints, a superb tip pass assist sending James Ramm over as they beat Munster 34-32 in a thriller in the East Midlands.
Over at the Aviva, Sam Prendergast showed his invention with a neat dummy and offload to help set up Garry Ringrose’s try for Leinster in their win over Bath, a match which saw the Ireland prospect go head-to-head with Finn Russell.
Russell’s fellow Scot, the versatile Tom Jordan, donned the No.10 jersey for Glasgow at the Stoop and finished off a brilliant team try in the first half.
Two-time tourist Robbie Henshaw was also among the beneficiaries of Prendergast’s playmaking, scoring twice as his side secured a home tie against Harlequins in the last 16. There was more to his performance than just the tries, too, as he carried strongly throughout and made consistent valuable yards. Up against him in the midfield was England’s Ollie Lawrence, who impressed in a losing cause. Lawrence was a constant threat with ball in hand and set up Tom de Glanville’s try with a brilliant offload out the back of the hand.
With Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu an injury doubt for the Six Nations, the Lions hopefuls in midfield will be bidding to stake their claims in the coming weeks.
This column has previously mentioned the fierce competition in the back row and there was plenty of evidence for that yet again in Round 4. Wales’ Jac Morgan inspired a memorable comeback win for Ospreys at Pau, scoring one and setting up another as his side set up an all-Welsh Challenge Cup knockout clash with Scarlets. Ben Earl scored twice for Saracens – as did hooker Theo Dan – in their home defeat by Castres while Earl was not the only English back-rower named Ben to impress.
Sale’s Ben Curry, twin brother of 2021 tourist Tom, showcased his footballing skills with a neat grubber which he latched on to himself to cross in their impressive win over Toulon.
