Lions Index

Each week after the Heineken Cup our experts will rate every player eligible to play for the British and Irish Lions.

The likes of Stuart Barnes, Dewi Morris, Scott Quinnell, Ieuan Evans, Tyrone Howe, Scott Hastings, Paul Wallace and Will Greenwood are all in prime positions to see how each player is performing and the results will throw up some interesting selections that are sure to get you clapping in agreement or totally disagreeing.
Our experts will rate each player who is eligible to play for the British and Irish Lions out of ten - the highest and lowest scores will be removed to give us an average score that will decide where that player sits in our Lions Index.
The players in our Lions Index may appear a mile away from the touring party but a good performance in the Heineken Cup could see them creeping into our index and reminding us that our Lions heroes come from the unlikeliest of places!

1 - Brett Sturgess (Exeter) Average Score 7.5

Ieuan Evans says: They got stuck in the set pieces and caused problems especially in the scrum. I am looking forward to seeing them test Clermont's resolve in next week's game at Sandy Park.
Second: Ryan Bevington - 7.1
Third: Joe Marler - 7

2 - Richard Hibbard (Ospreys) Average Score 8.1

Ieuan Evans says: You need a pack and an outside half who nails his goals and the Opsreys have got that. It was a dominant forward display from the likes of Hibbard, Alun Wyn Jones, Adam Jones, Ryan Bevington and Ryan Jones.
Second: Matthew Rees - 8
Third: Simon Alcott - 7.3

3 - Adam Jones (Ospreys) Average Score 7

Scott Quinnell says: Adam Jones is absolutely key for next summer, he is a big man and a genuine tight head. It is good to see him back and we hope he keeps on going!
Second: Carl Rimmer -7.3
Third: Matt Stevens - 6

4 - Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) Average Score 7.5

The Welsh side are finding some form at the right stage of the season - this was their fourth straight win after three defeats - and after losing so many key players during the off-season, this was the perfect performance to lift spirits ahead of bigger tests to come.
Second:Steve Borthwick- 7
Third: Tom Hayes - 6.7

5 - Courtney Lawes ( Northampton) Average Score 7

Sean Fitzpatrick says: Lawes was quite outstanding. He has matured and is all round better player. He was huge defensively and the way he goes in the lineouts and gets himself around the field is just quite outstanding.
Second: George Robson - 6.9
Third: Dan Tuohy - 6.5

6 - Tom Johnson (Exeter) Average Score 7.2

Ieuan Evans says: Exeter never allowed Leinster to settle or allow them to develop them any sort of rhythm in the game. They were very physical and aggressive and I thought it was an excellent performance from Exeter.
Second: Iain Henderson - 7
Third: Ryan Jones - 6.5

7 - Chris Robshaw (Harlequins) Average Score 7

Chris Robshaw skippered Harlequins to a 40-13 win over Biarritz. It is admittedly early days, but with a home bonus point from this game in the bag, Quins are already looking favourites to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Second: Will Fraser - 7
Third: Chris Henry - 6. 7

8 - Nick Easter (Harlequins) Average Score 8.2

Sean Fitzpatrick says: Easter played very well. I am not sure if he still has an international career but for me he is the best number eight running around at the moment.
Second: Richard Baxter - 7.2
Third: Toby Faletau - 7

9 -Paul Marshall (Ulster) Average Score 8.1

Ieuan Evans says: He may be diminutive in stature but there is bags of talent there. He is electric around the base and always spots an opportunity.
Second: Danny Care - 8.1
Third: Haydn Thomas - 6.7

10 - Danny Cipriani (Sale) Average Score 8

Stuart Barnes says: He turned the game single handedly and we are starting to see why Steve Diamond wanted this kid back. He is uncut but he is the real deal, if he is at his best it could be the most amazing comeback. There is still a long way to go but the boy has talent.
Second: Charlie Hodgson - 8
Third: Dan Biggar - 7.1

11 - Simon Zebo (Munster) Average Score 7.1

Tom May says: We are seeing the changing face of Munster - they do not have the suffocating pack of old but they do have some bright young attacking talent.
Second: Eli Walker - 7
Third: Andrew Trimble 6.8

12 - Ashley Beck (Ospreys) Average Score 7.6

Beck crossed for a last-minute try to earn the Ospreys a bonus point from their 38-17 victory over Treviso.
Second: Jamie Roberts - 7.1
Third: Brad Barritt - 7

13 - Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) Average Score 8

The Scarlets took an early lead through a Davies try as the centre finished off a great move which was started by George North and went through the hands of Scott Williams and Rhys Priestland.
Second:Dollman - 6.5
Third:Joel Tomkins - 6.5

14 - Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues) Average Score 9

Ieuan Evans says: The Cardiff Blues were clinical - every opportunity they had Cuthbert took! He only touched the ball three times, but scored three tries, that is what you want from your wing.
Second: Chris Ashton - 7.5
Third: Tommy Bowe- 6.5

15 - Delon Armitage (Toulon) Average Score 8.1

Ieuan Evans says: He had an excellent game both in defence and attack. He was secure under the highball in difficult conditions. He backed himself - he has bags of pace and bags of ability.
Second: Leigh Halfpenny - 8.1
Third: Lee Byrne - 8 

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