LIONS CAPTAIN SAM Warburton will miss Saturday’s clash with the Crusaders due to an ankle strain, meaning he will have featured only once in the tourists’ opening three games.
The openside’s ankle injury is badly timed, with Warburton under pressure to get games under his belt after recovering from a knee injury just before departing for New Zealand.
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Warburton will miss Saturday's game. Dan Sheridan / INPHO
Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO
The new injury for Warburton will be a cause for concern for head coach Warren Gatland, although he stressed that he is hopeful the openside flanker will return next week.
“Sam Warburton had a little bit of slight ankle strain after the first game,” said Gatland. “He was a bit sore, so he’s been resting that and just needs a few more days.”
With Sean O’Brien set to start in the seven shirt against the Crusaders on Saturday, a big performance from the Tullow man would give Gatland a fascinating conundrum.
Justin Tipuric was at openside against the Blues last night and also featured off the bench in the opening game against the Provincial Barbarians, showing glimpses of his class.
The doubts around Warburton mean O’Brien’s first outing at seven is all the more interesting, with the experienced Ireland and Leinster back row certain to be eyeing a Test spot.
Meanwhile, Gatland confirmed that out-half Dan Biggar is following the return-to-play protocols after suffering a concussion against the Blues, but he once again played down fears that Jared Payne’s calf injury will keep him out of action.
With Jared, it was his good calf that tightened up last night,” said Gatland. “He has got probably the skinniest calves in world rugby! He hasn’t played a lot of rugby, so it was good to get him on the field.
“He was rusty but showed a couple of nice touches and was a bit unlucky not to have scored that try in the corner. Hopefully, he will recover and get some more game time.”
Those issue aside, Gatland said the Lions are in fine health.
“We are pretty good actually. There are a couple of knocks and that, but nothing too serious from last night. Everyone is in pretty good health right now.”
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Opportunity knocks for O'Brien as Warburton sidelined with ankle injury
Murray Kinsella reports from Christchurch
LIONS CAPTAIN SAM Warburton will miss Saturday’s clash with the Crusaders due to an ankle strain, meaning he will have featured only once in the tourists’ opening three games.
The openside’s ankle injury is badly timed, with Warburton under pressure to get games under his belt after recovering from a knee injury just before departing for New Zealand.
The new injury for Warburton will be a cause for concern for head coach Warren Gatland, although he stressed that he is hopeful the openside flanker will return next week.
“Sam Warburton had a little bit of slight ankle strain after the first game,” said Gatland. “He was a bit sore, so he’s been resting that and just needs a few more days.”
With Sean O’Brien set to start in the seven shirt against the Crusaders on Saturday, a big performance from the Tullow man would give Gatland a fascinating conundrum.
Justin Tipuric was at openside against the Blues last night and also featured off the bench in the opening game against the Provincial Barbarians, showing glimpses of his class.
The doubts around Warburton mean O’Brien’s first outing at seven is all the more interesting, with the experienced Ireland and Leinster back row certain to be eyeing a Test spot.
Meanwhile, Gatland confirmed that out-half Dan Biggar is following the return-to-play protocols after suffering a concussion against the Blues, but he once again played down fears that Jared Payne’s calf injury will keep him out of action.
“He was rusty but showed a couple of nice touches and was a bit unlucky not to have scored that try in the corner. Hopefully, he will recover and get some more game time.”
Those issue aside, Gatland said the Lions are in fine health.
“We are pretty good actually. There are a couple of knocks and that, but nothing too serious from last night. Everyone is in pretty good health right now.”
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Ankle Injury lions 2017 openside Sam Warburton Sean O'Brien Team:Lions