Shane Williams: This can be when North becomes a true great

We could see some of the best rugby ever to be played on this Lions tour. That might sound as if I’m going over the top, but when you look at the quality of player, it’s obvious we’re going to be in for a superb series. I can’t wait!
In the end, the Lions squad wasn’t so much an announcement but a confirmation of what we already knew.
Ross Moriarty was a shock pick because no one really mentioned his name in the build-up. But when you look at his performances for Wales in the Six Nations – particularly that game with England – and his consistency with Gloucester, then it’s not really that much of a surprise.
The Lions will need the sort of brutal aggression Ross can provide. I think he’s done brilliantly since he’s been involved with Wales. He came into the squad with Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau in the back row, but his confidence in his own ability has quickly paid off.
I’m not sure how much Ross will be involved in New Zealand, but I think his selection sums up the sort of player Warren wants to face the All Blacks – physical, dynamic and with a refusal to accept defeat.
Warren will know that in New Zealand, it’s not just the All Blacks who are a threat. All the provincial sides have dangerous, dynamic carriers who the Lions will need to stop at source. That’s why guys like Sam, Ross, Sean O’Brien, CJ Stander and Peter O’Mahony have been selected.
Warren will want every single one of his forwards working hard at the tackle area because if you give your opposition a sniff there, they’ll take advantage. Mark my words, the back-row battle is going to be vital.
In that area, I was delighted to see Sam named captain and I always thought Justin and Taulupe would be involved, too. Ditto George North, Jonathan Davies and Leigh Halfpenny in the backs.
Overall, I think 12 Welshmen is about right. I’ve seen people saying it’s too many on the back of a poor Six Nations and, to a degree, they have a point. But if you look at what some of these players achieved in 2013, they have a lot of credit in the bank. I know from my own experiences that Warren places great store in that.
So, which Welshmen are now going to make the Test side? For me, Alun Wyn Jones is one of the first names on the team sheet with his power and aggression. Alongside someone like George Kruis or Courtney Lawes, he could help put a big dent in the Kiwi pack.
Sam makes my team as skipper and I also expect North to be one of the main guys. He has been hot and cold with Wales. When he’s hot, he’s seriously hot, but when he’s not quite on the money, he’s nearly anonymous. I’d like to see a bit more consistency from George, but we do know he’s a big match player who seems to play at his best when the pressure is really on.
This could be the tour that marks him down as a true great.
Although I’m sure people will now keep on talking about who will be picked for the first Test, what they forget, though, is that selection is linked to the game plan. How you’re going to play impacts hugely on who you’re going to play.
I spoke to Warren at the announcement this past week and he admitted if you’re going to beat New Zealand, you have to dominate them in the areas they excel in. I’m going to let you in on a secret here, one of the main things he was talking about was the scrum. Warren wants the Lions to dominate there, really set the platform and have a dominant set-piece from which his team can play.
He’s seen that with England and Ireland in the Six Nations and that’s why he has gone for those guys up front. It’s no coincidence the likes of Tadgh Furlong, Kyle Sinckler, Jack McGrath and Joe Marler are on the plane. Warren will demand his forwards get the better of the All Blacks. If you stop them at source – easier said than done – you’ve won half the battle. Then it’s over to the backs.
On all three of my Lions tours we had very little time to organise our moves. Before you know it, you’ve trained for a week and the first game is upon you.
The methods and the styles used by all the Northern Hemisphere teams are pretty similar. You might have different names for moves depending on what country you’re from, but it still takes a while to get used to how the Lions coaches want things done. It can mean a lot of meetings.
The first 10 days or so aren’t that physically demanding, but there’s plenty to take in. The guys will be given a book with all the moves in and after that it’s time to get stuck in.
The backs will learn the forwards’ moves and vice versa, it’s all part of making sure you’re singing from the same hymn sheet. It can be quite intense mentally, but it’s got to be done. This might be your only shot at playing for the Lions and if you forget a call or make a mistake on the big stage, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.
Don’t let your team-mates down – that will be the culture driving these boys on when they meet up.
I think the Lions must play with two ball distributors – that’s the way the game is going. For me those two should be Owen Farrell at 12 and Johnny Sexton inside him. They’ll have a key role – as will Dan Biggar – in deciding how the team plays. It will be interesting to watch because all three of those guys are big, big characters. Who’s going to be the boss?
That’s a bit of a concern for me because Warren will have his own ideas on set plays, too, and I’m sure Johnny will stand up and say to the rest of the group they should try to use some of the moves that worked so well for Ireland against New Zealand. You don’t want to disagree and talk for talking’s sake, but some debate is healthy.
Once the talking is done, it’s time to get it on! I was lucky enough to play against the All Blacks on the 2005 Lions tour and I always tried to raise my game against them because they are the best in the world.
That’s still true now, but this is also the strongest Lions squad I’ve seen in my career and probably before that, too.
I’m hugely excited by what’s ahead because I honestly believe we’re in with a good chance of a series win. We all know how tough it is going to be, but victory is possible and you never know, it might be a Welshman who comes up with the winning try.
What an ending that would be!