As the dust settles on the autumn internationals, British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has been left with plenty to ponder.
Captaincy
Given the short space of time the Lions have together, the selection of the captain will be the most important decision Gatland will make. Worryingly few stepped up to the mark during the autumn internationals. Chris Robshaw and Sam Warburton both had their positions questioned and that is a situation Gatland will want to avoid. Kelly Brown did nothing wrong for Scotland, however, there is intense competition for those seven or so back-row spots on the tour and he is far from guaranteed a place in the squad. Brian O'Driscoll is likely to be in the mix given his experience, while Gatland has talked up the chances of Jamie Heaslip following his interim spell at the helm for Ireland. Tom Wood could be another contender after he marked his return to fitness with some impressive displays. And it is individual form going into the tour that will be key to who finally gets the nod.
Scrum chums
A lot has been made about the Australia scrum and its apparent weaknesses, but how much of that is fact and how much is fiction? Well it is true that the Wallabies appeared to crumble in France, but then again the same pack dominated the much-vaunted English set-piece a week later. The truth of the matter appears to be over the individual interpretation of the referee over what is happening - and that is where Gatland and his captain need to earn their corn. What goes on in the front row is a dark, mysterious art and as a result it is notoriously difficult for referees to manage. That means the Lions need to be clear of each referee's view of what they deem as right and wrong at scrum time.
