By Mark Orlovac

Wood believes that Dallaglio should make his third Lions tour

Former Ireland skipper Keith Wood believes Lawrence Dallaglio should be in the British and Irish Lions squad to tour to New Zealand this summer.

The Wasps back-row forward, who retired from international rugby with England last summer, is keen to be part of manager Sir Clive Woodward's plans.

And although Woodward had stated that he would base his squad on Six Nations form, Wood believes he should go.

"Lawrence has been consistently the best number eight around," said Wood.

"On a long tour you can depend on him and you know what he will bring. That for me is a pointer to selection.

"If you don't have leaders in certain positions and you feel you need them then you might look at a guy who is not playing international rugby."

What is relevant is how players are at the end of the season, not now Keith Wood

Wood was speaking at the launch of the official Lions tour suits and at the same event, Dallaglio re-iterated his desire to make the 44-man squad which is named on 11 April.

Dallaglio was at the event in his capacity as a stakeholder in the Eden Park clothing company as he is one of the franchisees of the Richmond branch.

"Having retired some time ago from international rugby, I recognised that my chances of going on the Lions tour would be seriously diminished," he said.

"I am here and available and everyone knows that but these decisions are not up to me.

"I don't want the Lions selection to be all about me, there are a lot of players who are up for consideration that have played international rugby."

Lions squad selection has been confused somewhat by this year's unpredictable Six Nations which saw Wales claim a surprise Grand Slam.

Woodward admits to Wales dilemma

"The Six Nations threw up more questions than answers," Wood added.

"It was a strange tournament, the tension and excitement was the best it has been for years but some of the quality was not great.

"Two months ago the Irish team were flying having swept all before them in the autumn internationals but they didn't do that in the Six Nations.

"What is relevant is how players are at the end of the season, not now.

"I have picked five Lions teams already and each of them are different."

With a squad of 44 players going to New Zealand, there are bound to be plenty of surprises in Woodward's squad.

And Wood believes that former Ireland team-mate and Munster back-rower Anthony Foley should be one of them.

"He is very underrated," added Wood. "In a squad of 44 I would like him to go because he does not make mistakes which is very important on a tour.

"He knows instinctively what to say at the right time. He might only say two lines but what he says is very apt."