Pick your Lions 2021 squad: Who would make the cut if you were in charge? Have your say

Thursday is D-Day for many Lions hopefuls - Warren Gatland will announce his 36-man squad to take on South Africa this summer. It will mark the end of a process that began when the Kiwi first set out on his scouting mission last summer.

But despite the meticulous planning that will have gone into finalising the 36 some fans won’t be happy with some of Gatland's picks, it’s always hard to please supporters of all four home nations.

There are sure to be several close calls and, depending on your rugby philosophy and allegiances, many contentious picks. So who would you take on the plane to take on the world champion Springboks?

Only three fly-halves will get the nod - so which of the playmakers would you back to orchestrate a series success? Which of Dan Biggar, Finn Russell, Johnny Sexton, Owen Farrell and George Ford would you you leave at home? Or could Harlequins’ Marcus Smith sneak on the plane as your bolter?

Who would you pin your hopes on to take the fight to the hosts up front? Would Joe Marler make your squad, even though he didn’t play in the Six Nations? Do you want to take Scottish duo Rory Sutherland and Zander Fagerson for front row duty?

And who would you back to lead your pride of Lions? Would Alun Wyn Jones get the captaincy or do you think Maro Itoje, for many a definite Test starter, should get the honour?

There are at least 60 or so players who would grace a Lions squad but only 36 spots up for grabs. So let us know who you think Gatland should take on the plane to take part in one of rugby’s greatest tours.

Copy and paste this and let us know in the comments section below

Props: x6

Hookers: x3

Locks: x5

Back row: x6

Scrum-halves: x3

Fly-halves: x3

Centres: x4

Back three: x6