Sam Warburton, writing in The Times, has been forced to revise his predicted Lions pack after FOUR of his starters failed to make the squad
“I must admit that I did show my surprise to the television in front of me on at least one occasion,” Warburton said.
“I think it must have been a close call between Conan and Josh Navidi (who can play anywhere across the back row including number eight), and Conan’s greater game-time of late must have held sway because I know how much Gatland rates Navidi.
“Sam Underhill must be another affected because of his lack of game-time. I’m pretty sure that if they had been fully fit throughout this year, and especially the Six Nations, Gatland would have loved to have them in his squad."
S
am Warburton had a trial with local club Cardiff City at the age of 14 but chose to concentrate on rugby instead
FRONT-ROW:
- 1. Mako Vunipola (England)
- 2. Jamie George (England)
- 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)
DID YOU KNOW? Sam Warburton is a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
SECOND-ROW:
- 4. Maro Itoje (England)
- 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) – Was James Ryan
"What about my captain? It is between Farrell and Itoje. It is such a close call. Both are definite starters (Farrell will be at 12 if not 10) and it makes perfect sense for an Englishman to be captain because most of the squad is likely to be English. I think it will be Farrell but, if I were making the decision, I would pick Itoje."
BACK-ROW:
- 6. Tom Curry (England)
- 7. Hamish Watson (Scotland) - was Sam Underhill
- 8. Taulupe Faletau (Wales)
UK
DID YOU KNOW? He has an older twin brother, Ben, who played at semi-professional level with Glamorgan Wanderers RFC and is now a physiotherapist for the Cardiff Blues
