An old favourite of Sir Clive Woodward's, Kay has not missed a Six Nations game since making his debut in October 2001 despite his form dipping since the World Cup.

That saw him rested for last year's summer tour - a shock as he had missed just five of the previous 33 England games - and he found himself benched for the 2004 autumn internationals.

But his form for Leicester remained sound, despite being in and out of the side, and he was back on track come the Six Nations earlier this year, with Andy Robinson fielding him alongside Danny Grewcock in the second row.

Favoured for his combination of brains and brawn, he was unlucky that his most memorable contribution to England's World Cup campaign was squandering a crucial try-scoring opportunity in the final against Australia.

Woodward knows his game inside out and with the Lions looking to dominate at set-pieces, Kay's ability to crack the Kiwis' codes (he is one of the best readers of intentions in the game) will be crucial.