LIONS COACH WARREN Gatland admits that finding the perfect centre-partnership could prove to be his toughest challenge on this year’s tour.
England’s Ben Te’o and Welsh centre Jonathan Davies will start in midfield against the Crusaders on Saturday but Gatland says that’s no guarantee they make the first Test side.
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That leaves room for both Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw to make an impression still.
“Ben Te’o played well in the first game,” Gatland said at a media briefing today.
“We didn’t pick him as somebody we wanted to crash up. We picked him because he has got more to his game than that with his offloading ability. He has got some good footwork and is explosive. He’s a good strong defensive player in that 12 area.
“Jonathan Davies has been playing really well over the last few weeks for the Scarlets. He brings that experience.
When it comes to picking the Test side, that’s going to be one of the hardest positions for us to pick, getting that combination right.
“You’ve got Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Jonathan Joseph.
“You can put Elliot Daly in there. I thought he looked good last night and we are looking forward to seeing him having another run-out.
“The midfield is going to be one of the toughest calls for us on tour, getting the balance and combination right.”
Gatland admits midfield partnership will be 'one of the toughest calls'
LIONS COACH WARREN Gatland admits that finding the perfect centre-partnership could prove to be his toughest challenge on this year’s tour.
England’s Ben Te’o and Welsh centre Jonathan Davies will start in midfield against the Crusaders on Saturday but Gatland says that’s no guarantee they make the first Test side.
That leaves room for both Jared Payne and Robbie Henshaw to make an impression still.
“Ben Te’o played well in the first game,” Gatland said at a media briefing today.
“We didn’t pick him as somebody we wanted to crash up. We picked him because he has got more to his game than that with his offloading ability. He has got some good footwork and is explosive. He’s a good strong defensive player in that 12 area.
“Jonathan Davies has been playing really well over the last few weeks for the Scarlets. He brings that experience.
“You’ve got Jared Payne, Robbie Henshaw, Jonathan Joseph.
“You can put Elliot Daly in there. I thought he looked good last night and we are looking forward to seeing him having another run-out.
“The midfield is going to be one of the toughest calls for us on tour, getting the balance and combination right.”
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