Lions tour schedule Wilkinson left out of Lions squad

Despite a disappointing Six Nations the Irish contribute six backs and five forwards to Sir Clive Woodward's squad.

O'Driscoll is joined by Geordan Murphy, Denis Hickie, Gordon D'Arcy, Shane Horgan and Ronan O'Gara in the backs.

Up front, locks Malcolm O'Kelly, Paul O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan are joined by Shane Byrne and John Hayes.

The naming of O'Driscoll as tour captain was a certainty, but there will be a little surprise that Ireland have more players in the squad than Grand Slam-winning Wales who have 10.

2005 LIONS TOUR FIXTURES 4 June v Bay of Plenty Rotorua International Stadium 8 June v Taranaki Yarrow Stadium 11 June v NZ Maori Waikato Stadium 15 June v Wellington Westpac Stadium 18 June v Otago Carisbrook 21 June v Southland Rugby Park Stadium 25 June v New Zealand Jade Stadium 28 June v Manawatu Arena Manawatu 2 July v New Zealand Westpac Stadium 5 July v Auckland Eden Park 9 July v New Zealand Eden Park

Murphy and D'Arcy were widely tipped to travel, while Horgan was an outside chance.

However, the Leinster player's size, power and ball-handling skills undoubtedly gave him the edge, plus he can play either wing of midfield.

It would not be in the realms of possibility that he could function beside his skipper in the Tests after missing the least two Six Nations games.

Hickie deserves his place. His defence has tightened up considerably while he still has blistering pace. O'Gara, however, is rather fortunate to make the final shake down.

He almost played himself off what will be his second Lions following a very ordinary Six Nations campaign.

In the forwards, O'Connell, O'Kelly and Bryne were certainties to travel. O'Callaghan, who spent all season on the Irish bench, impressed Sir Clive during the tsunami game at Twickenham.

Hayes is another some will say is fortunate to be travelling. He is not the best scrummager in the world, but his work-rate around the park at breakdown and line-out is phenomenal.

Lions squad:
Backs: I Balshaw (England), G Murphy (Ireland), J Robinson (England), G Thomas (Wales), S Williams (Wales), J Lewsey (England), S Horgan (Ireland), D Hickie (Ireland), T Shanklin (Wales), B O'Driscoll (Ireland, capt), G Henson (Wales), O Smith (England), G D'Arcy (Ireland), W Greenwood (England), S Jones (Wales), R O'Gara (Ireland), C Hodgson (England), M Dawson (England), D Peel (Wales), G Cooper (Wales), C Cusiter (Scotland).
Forwards: G Rowntree (England), A Sheridan (England), M Stevens (England), G Jenkins (Wales), J White (England), J Hayes (Ireland), G Bulloch (Scotland), S Thompson (England), A Titterrell (England), S Byrne (Ireland), D Grewcock (England), B Kay (England), M O'Kelly (Ireland), D O'Callaghan (Ireland), P O'Connell (Ireland), M Owen (Wales), R Hill (England), N Back (England), M Williams (Wales), L Moody (England), S Taylor (Scotland), M Corry (England), L Dallaglio (England).