Telegraph Sport's Lions squad day five: Scrum-halves – do you agree with our writers' selections?

Lions head coach Warren Gatland will announce his squad for the tour to South Africa on May 6 — and in advance of the big selection announcement Telegraph Sport's rugby writers have nominated their own picks to take on the world champions.

The spotlight fell first on the props, the hookers and potential locks, with the back row then picked. Now the attention is turned to the scrum-halves.

Our writers picks were made prior to Ben Youngs' announcement on Saturday night that he was withdrawing from tour consideration due to family reasons.

Mick Cleary, Chief Rugby Union Writer

My scrum-halves: Conor Murray (Ireland), Ben Youngs (England), Tomos Williams (Wales)

It may seem a strange thing to say that the scrum-half position is not the Lions’ strongest suit when there are two such experienced operators as Murray and Youngs in their ranks. The pair, though, need to be at the top of their game, to find the zest and cleverness of their youth if the team is to prosper. Williams just nips in ahead of Gareth Davies with Ali Price rating a mention in despatches.

Gavin Mairs, Chief Rugby Union Correspondent

My scrum-halves: Conor Murray (Ireland), Gareth Davies (Wales), Ben Youngs (England)

Gatland will have been delighted in the manner that Murray finished Ireland’s Six Nations campaign, delivering a performance against England after an injury-disrupted season that looked back to the form that won him the Test starting place on the tour of New Zealand in 2017. Combinations are key on tour and Murray has the benefit of having played with both Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell. His physicality and kicking game are also perfectly-suited for the Springboks. Gareth Davies has also earned the right to go on the back of Wales’ Six Nations campaign while Ben Youngs has the pedigree and experience, despite a low-key Six Nations, although I love the fact that Gatland is not afraid to consider his former international rival Danny Care, whose form in the Premiership and attacking threat merits consideration.

Daniel Schofield, Deputy Rugby Union Correspondent

My scrum-halves: Conor Murray (Ireland), Danny Care (England), Gareth Davies (Wales)

Whereas in the back row you are selecting from an area of considerable strength, at scrum-half the cupboard is bare. Conor Murray finished the Six Nations strongly but his form has been inconsistent over the past year. Gareth Davies’ rugged physicality makes him a Gatland favourite and a good bet to take on the Springboks. Danny Care, despite being out of the England squad, has been the Premiership’s form scrum-half and could immediately raise the tempo coming off the bench.

Tom Cary, Senior Sports Correspondent

My scrum-halves: Conor Murray (Ireland), Ali Price (Scotland), Danny Care (England)

A problem position. No one is really nailed on. I think Conor Murray did just about enough at the end of the Six Nations to remind everyone of his virtues. He was outstanding four years ago and his experience counts for a lot. Either of Tomos Williams or Gareth Davies could travel. But I’ve gone with Price and Care. Just a gut feeling on Price and if you’re picking on form Care is the outstanding candidate.

Ben Coles, Rugby Reporter

My scrum-halves: Conor Murray (Ireland), Ali Price (Scotland), Tomos Williams (Wales)

Not an easy group to pick. You could have Gareth Davies, Ben Youngs or Danny Care here. The one certainty is probably Murray given his experience, but that wasn't the case when he was out of form at the start of the Six Nations. His performance against England on the final weekend was impressive, and sealed his place.

Ali Price probably doesn't get enough credit for his playmaking abilities and Tomos Williams, originally Wales number one option at scrum-half for the Six Nations before his injury, sneaks in ahead of his compatriot Davies.

It's fair to suggest that while the Lions have experienced options here, there is no scrum-half in truly outstanding form who runs a game as well as Faf de Klerk will for the Springboks.

Charles Richardson

My scrum-halves: Conor Murray (Ireland), Ben Youngs (England), Tomos Williams (Wales)

Truly the best of a bad bunch for Gatland. Ali Price doesn’t have the ball-in-hand threat nor the kicking the accuracy to trouble his off-kilter rivals, and the flaws that have plagued Danny Care’s career remain - despite his strong form. Conor Murray and Ben Youngs have proved themselves on the Test arena - and recently, too, even if inconsistently - while Tomos Williams brings that sniping threat that the best teams crave.

Richard Bath

My scrum-halves: Conor Murray (Ireland), Gareth Davies (Wales), Danny Care (England)

This is huge area of weakness. Murray was the tournament’s standout players, Davies has a good all-round game and Care has the experience and X-factor. Ben Youngs and Ali Price are unlucky to miss out.

James Corrigan

My scrum-halves: Conor Murray (Ireland), Tomos Williams (Wales), Danny Care (England)

Perhaps Gatland's weakest position. Murray has the class and experience, while Care is the pick of the England bunch at the moment. But do not be surprised if Williams is a Test starter. Highly rated by Gatland.