"Too conservative" - Three changes Woodward would make to Gatland's Lions XV

Rugby News
Wednesday, 04 August 2021 at 15:59
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Sir Clive Woodward has branded Warren Gatland's selection for third test as 'too conservative' and has revealed he would have have liked three further changes.
Gatland has made six changes to his starting team after the Lions’ heavy loss in the second test, with most of those coming in the back three and the front row.
However, former Lions coach Woodward revealed in his column for the Daily Mail that he'd have liked further alterations.

#1. Finn Russell for Dan Biggar

Woodward wrote: "I was hoping for a statement at fly-half in the form of Finn Russell or even Marcus Smith. 
"But it’s Dan Biggar again, this time reunited with Ali Price at scrum-half. 
"Unless Price can rediscover his fast-breaking game, I’m not seeing how this combination poses the threat or point of difference the Lions have been lacking so far."

#2. Tadhg Beirne for Courtney Lawes

Woodward wrote: "In the spirit of going for broke, I would have started Tadhg Beirne at blindside flanker, the Irishman has been unlucky on this tour not to bag a starting spot. 
"Gatland has gone with Courtney Lawes who was brilliant in the first Test, but only workmanlike in the second. 
"I can only think that Gatland has correctly anticipated the selection of Boks lock Lood de Jager and lineout ace Franco Mostert at blindside for the Boks."

#3. Sam Simmonds for Jack Conan

Woodward wrote: "And at No 8, although my first instinct was to go with Faletau, after mulling over it for a few days I would have chosen Sam Simmonds. 
"The Lions must play at pace and get over the gainline as often as possible and there is nobody better than Simmonds at that"

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