FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Alan Quinlan believes Jared Payne can force his way into Warren Gatland’s starting XV after being named as the surprise inclusion in the Lions squad for New Zealand.
Payne, Rory Best and Tadhg Furlong were all named in Gatland's squad. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
The Ulster back was one of eleven Irish named in the 41-man panel for this summer’s tour despite missing three months of the season with a kidney injury.
Payne, who admitted he got a ‘pretty big shock’ this morning when he heard the news, started just one of Ireland’s Six Nations games, playing fullback in the final outing of the campaign against England.
But Quinlan says the 31-year-old’s inclusion ‘makes perfect sense’ as his versatility, defensive work and leadership makes him a great selection.
“Eleven Irish players is a good representation,” the former Munster backrow told The42.
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“I’d love to see another three or four and probably losing against Scotland and Wales affected that situation but Ireland beating England in the last game certainly propelled a couple of guys.
“I think Jared is probably a surprise selection, not ability wise, but people weren’t mentioning as they didn’t think he’d be in the mix. I think he’s a brilliant player and it makes perfect sense to have him in the squad.
“I think Warren has gone for him because of his all round ability, he’s a very intelligent footballer. He can play fullback, he can play 13, he can play on the wing.
“He was also born in New Zealand and knows the country and the culture and I just think when he plays for Ireland, Ireland are a lot better as he just brings a lot of leadership.
“He’s a wonderful player and someone who could easily be a starter for the Lions and the reason why he wasn’t being mentioned was probably because he hasn’t played a lot of rugby in recent times. He’s a great selection.”
While there was elation for Payne, Rory Best, Iain Henderson, Jack McGrath, Tadhg Furlong, CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton and Robbie Henshaw, there was disappointment for several other Irish players who missed out.
Quinlan says Cian Healy can probably feel most unlucky but the likes of Garry Ringrose, Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo could have easily been included too.
James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
“I think the Irish guys who have missed out were all 50-50 calls, they’ll be disappointed no doubt but they’ve got to get their heads switched on again and finish out the season strongly for their provinces and as I said things can change very quickly with injuries.
“It’s not easy as you have massive elation for guys and disappointment for others. For Cian Healy, Garry Ringrose, Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo, guys who could have easily been in the mix but I think there will be a lot of injuries so they’ve got to stay focused and do well with their provinces and see what happens.
“Cian Healy is someone who can feel disappointed as he’s a bit unlucky and the same with Donnacha Ryan. He played so well against England and all season too but we’ve seen in the past there will be injuries and guys will be called up and you’ve got to be ready.
“Overall, I think it’s a very powerful Lions squad and no doubt it’s going to be very hard to win the series but they have to believe it.”
Alan Quinlan was speaking at the launch of the first ever #BoostYourAwareness Touch Rugby Blitz, which will take place on Friday, 19 May, in Lansdowne Rugby Football Club. Teams can register for the blitz here.
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'It makes perfect sense': Quinlan not surprised by Payne's Lions inclusion
FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL Alan Quinlan believes Jared Payne can force his way into Warren Gatland’s starting XV after being named as the surprise inclusion in the Lions squad for New Zealand.
The Ulster back was one of eleven Irish named in the 41-man panel for this summer’s tour despite missing three months of the season with a kidney injury.
Payne, who admitted he got a ‘pretty big shock’ this morning when he heard the news, started just one of Ireland’s Six Nations games, playing fullback in the final outing of the campaign against England.
But Quinlan says the 31-year-old’s inclusion ‘makes perfect sense’ as his versatility, defensive work and leadership makes him a great selection.
“Eleven Irish players is a good representation,” the former Munster backrow told The42.
“I’d love to see another three or four and probably losing against Scotland and Wales affected that situation but Ireland beating England in the last game certainly propelled a couple of guys.
“I think Jared is probably a surprise selection, not ability wise, but people weren’t mentioning as they didn’t think he’d be in the mix. I think he’s a brilliant player and it makes perfect sense to have him in the squad.
“I think Warren has gone for him because of his all round ability, he’s a very intelligent footballer. He can play fullback, he can play 13, he can play on the wing.
“He was also born in New Zealand and knows the country and the culture and I just think when he plays for Ireland, Ireland are a lot better as he just brings a lot of leadership.
“He’s a wonderful player and someone who could easily be a starter for the Lions and the reason why he wasn’t being mentioned was probably because he hasn’t played a lot of rugby in recent times. He’s a great selection.”
While there was elation for Payne, Rory Best, Iain Henderson, Jack McGrath, Tadhg Furlong, CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton and Robbie Henshaw, there was disappointment for several other Irish players who missed out.
Quinlan says Cian Healy can probably feel most unlucky but the likes of Garry Ringrose, Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo could have easily been included too.
“I think the Irish guys who have missed out were all 50-50 calls, they’ll be disappointed no doubt but they’ve got to get their heads switched on again and finish out the season strongly for their provinces and as I said things can change very quickly with injuries.
“It’s not easy as you have massive elation for guys and disappointment for others. For Cian Healy, Garry Ringrose, Keith Earls, Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo, guys who could have easily been in the mix but I think there will be a lot of injuries so they’ve got to stay focused and do well with their provinces and see what happens.
“Overall, I think it’s a very powerful Lions squad and no doubt it’s going to be very hard to win the series but they have to believe it.”
Alan Quinlan was speaking at the launch of the first ever #BoostYourAwareness Touch Rugby Blitz, which will take place on Friday, 19 May, in Lansdowne Rugby Football Club. Teams can register for the blitz here.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
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