Warren Gatland has issued a warning to Wales' British and Irish Lions hopefuls as the Six Nations appears on the horizon.
The Euro showpiece is the last real chance for players to stake their claim to a tour spot and the outcome of many head-to-head battles over the next few weeks will go some way to making up Gatland's mind.
You needn't look further than the 2013 tour for evidence of that.
Wales stormed to the 2013 Six Nations Championship by thrashing England, who were gunning for a Grand Slam, 30-3 at the Millennium Stadium and it came as no surprise when the Lions squad for Australia that year had a very Welsh feel to it.
However, in recent times many Wales stars who featured heavily four years ago have failed to show what you would consider Lions form.
And though Gatland doesn't name specific names, George North is struggling to make the same impact he once did, Jamie Roberts lost his place in the Wales team during the autumn and Jonathan Davies has been short of his best.
It's a situation that Gatland isn't prepared to turn a blind eye to.
“There are a lot of guys from 2013 still playing but if they are to be selected for 2017, their form is going to have to improve,” the Lions boss told The Telegraph.
“There are a lot of things up in the air and there is a lot of exciting talent about.”
Just as a Six Nations can sway selection decisions, it can also go a long way to determining the outcome of another Lions conundrum - who will wear the armband?
Dylan Hartley had been a front-runner after England's Grand Slam last year, but his latest disciplinary mishap has cast doubt over his chances.
Though Gatland wasn't ruling out the possibility of Hartley leading the Lions provided England repeat last year's success.
“Is it someone who has been a Lion already [Alun Wyn Jones or Rory Best qualify on that basis] or someone who has done a good job in this Six Nations?
“And yes, if Dylan Hartley leads England to another Grand Slam that could sway it.
"Dylan has done a great job with his leadership with England. The sending-off [for Northampton] looked like frustration to me.
"But Dylan has to contend with pressure, too, that of Jamie George pushing for his place.
"As for Sam [Warburton], he’s got to get selected for Wales first and foremost. The captain has to be sure of his place. If he is not, then we will ruthless on tour and drop him."
