There are many reasons to be grateful for the beginning of a new year, including the fact that there are now seven months to go until the British and Irish Lions' first Test in South Africa.

We have put together a list of 80 hopefuls for you to pick your starting XV, but it will not be easy.

The scrum seems to be a particularly tricky area, with a wealth of outstanding players in the back row in particular.

England's Tom Curry and Sam Underhill? Ireland's CJ Stander? Wales' Justin Tipuric? Or will you pick a bolter? Premiership sensation Alfie Barbeary could be an exciting option.

On the 2017 Tour of New Zealand, which ended in a draw, seven English, four Welsh and four Irish players started the first Test.

With England being crowned Six Nations and Autumn Nations Cup champions in 2020, a majority of English players may be the way to go again.

Or will you give the Scots a chance for 2021? There are plenty to choose from, with Scotland captain Stuart Hogg and Exeter team-mate Jonny Gray both up for selection.

Check back next week, when we will reveal who was picked by BBC Sport readers.

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2021 British and Irish Lions dates

Saturday 26 June: Lions v Japan - Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Saturday 3 July: Stormers v Lions - Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

Wednesday 7 July: South Africa 'Invitational' v Lions - Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Saturday 10 July: Sharks v Lions - Jonsson Kings Park, Durban

Wednesday 14 July: South Africa 'A' Team v Lions - Mbombela Stadium, Mbombela

Saturday 17 July: Bulls v Lions - Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Saturday 24 July (first Test): Springboks v Lions - FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

Saturday 31 July (second Test): Springboks v Lions - Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

Saturday 7 August (third Test): Springboks v Lions - Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg