Scrum of the Earth /

Welsh rugby supporters are fully enjoying their resurrection in this year's RBS 6 Nations, and it's even extended to chilling coach, Warren Gatland, who is being hotly tipped to lead the British & Irish Lions in next year's tour to South Africa.

Admittedly, all Brits would much rather prefer a 'British' coach to take charge, but with the slim pickings currently on offer, Gerald Davies & co maybe forced to look overseas.

Gatland could follow in the footsteps of fellow Kiwi Graham Henry, who didn't exactly excel himself on the tour to New Zealand. However, the Wales coach believes he is better placed to bring success because of his previous terms with Ireland and London Wasps - you can see his point!

The lack of local coaching talent, which is something the RFU is trying to address, and the evidence of the RBS 6 Nations and the Guinness Premiership so far, suggests a vote of home favouritism might not be the correct one.

Prior to the World Cup, Eddie O'Sullivan had a great shout, but he has shown to be far too faithful and tactically inept since, whereas Frank Hadden's supporters are wearing thin, just like Scotland's hopes of a back-line epiphany.

Brian Ashton isn't shaped in the Lions mould, as he is far too quiet while his managerial credentials haven't received glowing recommendations.

Domestically, the Welsh principality coaches haven't got much to shout about, while England's best on offer, Dean Ryan, Richard Hill and Dean Richards, don't have the international experience to challenge the best in the world.

So that leaves Jake White, Gatland and the front-runner, Ian McGeechan.

White knows a thing or two about South Africa, especially as 80% of the players he coached to World Cup gold should be there or thereabouts - that's if Pieter de Villiers sticks to the quota.

The dream team would be a triumvirate headed by Geech, ably supported by Gatland and Shaun Edwards  - the Wasps-Wales connection - very cosy don't you think?

Maybe they would even find a place for captain colossus Martin Johnson too?