The final midweek game for the Lions against the Hurricanes presented an opportunity for players to break into the test twenty-three. It also presented Warren Gatland with the perfect opportunity to respond to the “devaluing jersey” criticism he has received.
Courtney Lawes and Ian Henderson were brought in to do just that. Particularly as George Kruis and Alun-Wyn Jones failed to fire on all cylinders in the first Test.
Both Lawes and Henderson had outstanding games, despite the latter’s yellow card in the final quarter. Henderson’s dangerous clear-out on Jordie Barrett may have decided his fate come the team announcement this week.
But Lawes’ substitution on fifty minutes signalled Warren Gatland’s intent of his likely inclusion against the All Blacks.
Other than the second row, it’s difficult to see any other players breaking into the Test side. Dan Cole and Rory Best had smart games, but Gatland favoured Kyle Sinckler as the replacement in the first test. Cole brings experience at the scrum and his work at the breakdown goes from strength to strength.
Similarly Best’s line out work was much improved and given Ken Owens hasn’t quite been perfect, could be a contender for the bench come Saturday.
Jack Nowell could also be a potential impact replacement against New Zealand on Saturday. Nowell’s workrate in the midfield and at the breakdown could be a deciding factor. Against a stronger All Blacks side, Gatland will need all of his Lions to be adept in all facets of the game to be in with a chance of levelling the series.
Gatland’s Non-Impact Replacements
The 31-31 draw may have been the final result, but the biggest talking point was Gatland’s bench.
Fresh from the controversy of picking six call-ups based on geography, Gatland failed to use his bench wisely.
The game was the final opportunity for players to contest for the test squad. Gatland should have used his replacements to offer certain players a chance of being rested before preparing for the second test.
Fresh legs in the final ten minutes could have arguably led the Lions to win. But perhaps more importantly to have Kristian Dacey, Alan Dell, Cory Hill, Tomas Francis, Finn Russell and Gareth Davies on the bench and to not use them is odd. Russell featured for five minutes while fly half Dan Biggar was assessed for injury, but then took no further part in the game.
Devaluing The Jersey
Gatland announced after the game that because of the fierce criticism of their selection and the apparent devaluing of the jersey, the coaches agreed beforehand that they would only be used for injury and HIA cover.
He said in his post match press conference: “So much was made of devaluing the jersey that we decided to keep the fifteen on for as long as we could.”
“Warren Gatland has devalued the Lions jersey”.
This is some scathing criticism.
Watch: https://t.co/BP5rP1UHTv pic.twitter.com/igqf9Xod6g
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 17, 2017
Essentially, it sends the message that these players Gatland had faith in calling up, aren’t good enough to be Lions.
In all, the six called up were given a total of fifteen minutes of game time since their arrival. Alan Dell played ten minutes (against the Chiefs) and Russell just five. The Welsh quartet played no part whatsoever. It therefore begs the question as to the point of their inclusion in the first place.
If it was for training purposes they shouldn’t have been included in the match day squad. Gatland should have included players who could have had a potential impact on the result of the game. Or even had a chance of making the Test squad.
For many of these players it will be the final opportunity to play in a Lions jersey.
If players like Cole and Best had the possibility of featuring in the second test, playing eighty minutes will only hinder their performance. It’s rare for front row players to play the full game. Even after good performances, Gatland will have played them out of contention. The turnaround time is only four days until the next game.
Both Mako Vunipola and Tadhg Furlong didn’t have their best games last week. In doing so it left the door ajar for others to put in a claim to compete for places.
After today’s performance, it suggests that Gatland will change very little in his front row. A front row that the All Blacks gained the upper hand over.
Lions Legacy
Let’s not forget the All Blacks are going in to the third game of their international season. The Lions are coming off the back of a long and arduous season. The call-ups’ inclusion as well as the other replacements would have been ideal in the final quarter against the Hurricanes.
Player fatigue will be a huge part of the next couple of weeks. Although winning a tTst series is the paramount objective for Gatland and his coaches, player welfare should and must always come first.
If Gatland and his Lions go on to lose the series, it will be these decisions that will define his tour reputation. It could tarnish his legacy as well as the future of the Lions as a tour.
And as the New Zealand media have already shown, Gatland’s decision making won’t fly under the radar!
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