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When Tom Curry was on his way back from injury, the Sale Sharks flanker looked up against it to go on a second Lions tour due to the embarrassment of riches at Andy Farrell's disposal.
However, whether it's Josh van der Flier, Jac Morgan, or Ben Earl, Curry has blown his competitors out of the water with his barnstorming form and looks a safe bet to be a Lions starter for all three Tests.
Curry had looked likely to retire but has roared back into blistering form
The 61 caps England flanker curled up into a ball and cried to his girlfriend Lilla before hip surgery last season because of a warning that his career could be over.
Curry underwent surgery last February after being diagnosed with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome - a condition that means the ball in the hip joint is not entirely round.
He wasn't supposed to play professional rugby again, but his miracle recovery has only taken the 26-year-old's game to new heights.
Relishes physical battles with game’s behemoths
A force of nature during collisions, his breakdown expertise and hard, direct physical carries have blown away his opponents, and last Saturday's titanic performance in Sale Sharks' away victory over Harlequins illustrated his world-class credentials.
Since being part of Eddie Jones' 'Kamikadze kids' alongside Sam Underhill at the 2019 World Cup, Curry has found a hard-nosed, aggressive edge, welcoming his battles with back row giants.
At 6ft 1inch and 110kgs, Curry is far from the biggest back row in the game, but regularly punches above his weight and leads by example.
Not only that, but Curry has introduced tries into his game with his two scores at the Stoop paving the way for Sale to showcase their play-off aspirations at the Stoop last weekend.
Curry is just one of numerous Sharks that could be heading Down Under, with his twin brother Ben also starring for England in their much-improved recent Six Nations showing.
Luke Cowan-Dickie plays a pivotal part in the best lineout in the division, while George Ford is in contention for a first Lions tour.
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said after his side's 43-29 win over Harlequins: "How good is Tom!? He's put in a good shift there. He was brilliant. He and the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie are pushing for Lions honours, and they richly deserve it if you're just going off that game."