SOME DAYS HAVE moved slowly in Lions camp with so little to do on this restricted tour of South Africa but yesterday must have felt even more interminable for the players.
While Warren Gatland and his coaches sat down to select their matchday 23 for this weekend’s first Test against the Springboks, those being discussed simply had to wait.
The squad won’t be officially named until 10am on Thursday, but the Lions players are due to find out who is in and who is out today. Gatland will stand at the top of the meeting room and read 23 names off a sheet. Joy for some, despair for others.
The original seven-man Irish contingent – Rónan Kelleher only arrived last week and hasn’t played – will all have gone to sleep last night with hope in their thoughts.
Tadhg Furlong might have found it the easiest to get into a restful state. He is a strong favourite to retain the number three shirt, having started all three Tests for the Lions back in 2017 and improved as a player since.
He was outstanding in this year’s Six Nations and has continued his good form on tour. In fairness to Kyle Sinckler, he has been sharp since his late call-up in place of the injured Andrew Porter and looks primed to provide the same bench impact he did four years ago. But Furlong looks like a key man for the Lions.
Conor Murray was the Lions tour captain while Alun Wyn Jones rehabbed his shoulder injury back in Wales and he too is the Lions Test incumbent in his position.
Ali Price has been lively at scrum-half on this tour and showed his attacking threat around the fringes against the Stormers on Saturday but he has played against the weaker opposition, whereas Murray has started against Japan and South Africa A – the only two genuine games the Lions have played.
Murray might not have Price’s scooting threat but he is the best kicker and defender of the Lions’ scrum-half options and more than capable of delivering accurate service and excellent decision-making with his passing game.
Robbie Henshaw is another likely Irish starter in the first Test, even after his hamstring issue in recent weeks. The Leinster man was in brilliant form prior to that setback and he got through nearly three-quarters of Saturday’s game against the Stormers to tee himself up for a start this weekend.
Whether it’s at 12 or 13 remains to be seen but Gatland and his coaches have consistently underlined that Henshaw can be an influential figure for the Lions.
There are two genuine Irish contenders for starts in the Lions back row but that area of selection could go a number of different ways. If the warm-up games have been any indication, Tadhg Beirne is in a head-to-head with Courtney Lawes at blindside flanker.
The Englishman hits harder than most people in defence but Beirne is the more rounded rugby player, a possible game-changer who can poach the ball at breakdowns, carry, pass, offload, steal lineout, and ruck. It would be fascinating to see him let loose on the Boks.
Meanwhile, Jack Conan has staked a claim for involvement at number eight, even if Taulupe Faletau remains the favourite in that position. Conan has been dynamic in his appearances, showing excellent footwork and robustness through contact, as well as impressive defensive qualities including strong choke tackles.
The second row all depends on whether tour captain Alun Wyn Jones is deemed fit to start alongside Maro Itoje.
The 35-year-old got through 26 minutes of action on his return off the bench against the Stormers and his left shoulder came through seemingly unscathed, but a start against the Springboks is obviously on another planet in terms of demands on the body.
If Jones isn’t ready, Ireland and Ulster lock Iain Henderson is in with a fine shout of starting for the Lions. He has had an outstanding season, provides leadership and lineout nous, and is an explosive, skillful athlete around the pitch.
Wales’ Adam Beard has certainly impressed too and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him involved, while England’s Jonny Hill offers plenty of grunt, but Henderson has left himself well in the mix. Even if Beirne, Conan and/or Henderson don’t start, all would offer value off the Lions’ bench.
While there is sure to be disappointment for some of the candidates as Gatland confirms his selection, the Lions could yet have a fair Irish influence this weekend.
Barry Daly was particularly unlucky with injuries. A very effective try-scorer.
@Glenbower: would he be worth a shot by Connacht? Seriously depleted in the back 3
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: yes I think he’s a class player annoyed that leinster did not keep was extremely sharp before his injury.
@hypebeast: Totally agree. Great skillset and excellent finisher; I don’t remember him ever making a significant mistake. I prefer him to Kelleher in the back 3. He’d be a very good addition to the Connacht squad.
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: I have a feeling he may be retiring due to injuries
Sad to see Barry Daly is leaving
That’s remarkable work
New contracts for Leavy, connors and VDF…..
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Maybe now that will put to bed any notions of other provinces scrounging around looking for one of them!
That’s a great mornings business. Delighted Fardy is getting another contract. He brings so much to Leinster. Great to see all the 7’s staying too though Leo has some selection headaches now.
@Kevin: Great to see Fardy stay. A real leader. We might see him in a coaching role in 2 years. 5 players promoted from the academy is a great return also.
Great bit of business, always good to see the academy lads getting senior contracts. Nice to see all the 7s are staying as well as Fardy.
Gutted for Barry Daly. Fastest man in the squad and hugely prolific scorer. Desperately unlucky with injuries, it’s such a shame. Schmidt even had called him into camp at one point.
Any of these players interested in a move West, Connacht getting weaker each year since 2016.
@Pretty Ladee: 2 of the players leaving are going west.
@Chris Mc: connacht need proven professionals not kids,
@Pretty Ladee: didn’t qualify for the Heineken cup 2 years in a row and followed that up by qualifying the next 2 years in a row, doesnt really sound like a decline ?
@Kohn Jeenan: look at this years departures, compared to signings, hardly an achievement qualifying for the heineken cup
@Pretty Ladee: there’s hardly a single player to come through the leinster academy that’s not ready for the pro 14
@Pretty Ladee: we’ve qualified on our own merit for the Heineken cup maybe a few times ever so I’m not sure how you can say it’s not an achievement, departures is kind of worrying but have to presume there’s some plan
@Pretty Ladee: Aungier is a gem of a player and a big loss to Leinster. He will soon be a favourate in the Sportsground
With Joe Tomane departing, I presume Leinster have room to sign another non Irish player, obviously not possible with the current economic situation.
Amazing to think that with Leinster’s academy, they will need nor miss this opportunity!
@Conor Mulloy: a none irish loose head might be the only requirement as healy will be away and is not getting any younger. Saying that it’s a great opportunity for the younger lads to step up.
@Chris Mc: A NIQ loosehead is a good shout. That said, Dooley had upped his game pre-COVID19 and was playing very well.
@Carmine Lorenzo: agree Dooley has stepped up but say going into a HC final and healy was injured dooley and Byrne doesn’t sound as good as healy and mcgrath
@Chris Mc: Nope it definitely does not, a certain drop off there. I guess we’ll find out soon enough whether Milne has what it takes.
@Carmine Lorenzo: if Leo trusts dooley Byrne and milne that’ll do for me.
Def jealous of that
Fantastic strength in depth and who would not want to sign on when the team is on the crest of a wave
Yeah v disappointed for Daly, He’s a VG player when fit
Great business by leinster selection ain’t easy delighted for Vardy
Are we becoming very forward heavy compared to backs. (with ferg and Rob) added to the list that moved on today