AS MOST INTERNATIONALS will tell you, Six Nations form ahead of a Lions tour is the true acid test that determines selection.

The Irish players were focused on getting their championship off to a good at the weekend and ending a poor run against Wales. They achieved both in a thrilling manner.

The upshot of Ireland’s impressive start will be the names of many outstanding performers being mentioned in relation to the quadrennial tour.

Sean O’Brien, Brian O’Driscoll, Jonathan Sexton and Rob Kearney, to name just four, did their touring chances no harm in that 30-22 win in Cardiff.

However Gavin Hastings and Ugo Monye – former British & Irish Lions – were thoroughly impressed some English and Scottish players that did battle at Twickenham on Saturday.

Here are their thoughts [accompanied by a subtle dance track]:

YouTube credit: HSBC

O’Brien and Sexton will have a chance to directly test Farrell and Robshaw at Lansdowne Road this Sunday while O’Driscoll will be closely monitoring Billy ‘Tommy’ Twelvetrees in midfield.

Pro12: Muller commits to Ulster while Munster regret cutting ‘Strings’ loose

15 steps to a wonder-try: Shane Horgan’s last-gasp winner v England, 2006