Crusaders Scott Robertson has approached Warren Gatland about a role with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa next summer.
His four-year tenure in charge of the Crusaders has been immensely successful, comprising three consecutive Super Rugby titles prior to this summer’s Super Rugby Aotearoa victory.
Crusaders’ coach Scott Robertson has requested to be part of Warren Gatland’s Lions coaching team:https://t.co/cwbZAK5LLa
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) August 20, 2020
“Once I missed the All Blacks job I actually reached out to Gats and asked him if I could go on that [Lions] tour,” Robertson said.
The former All Blacks forward added on Gold AM: “I thought, ‘Look, if I can’t be involved with the All Blacks, what’s the next biggest thing – or actually bigger in itself – the Lions tour, to get involved [in]?’
“I said: ‘Look, I would love to help you if I can.’
“We had a couple of good conversations since and he’s got to go through his line of management to make a decision.”
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Back Three (6)
Looking back in these critical positions there is much talent (I common theme throughout all selections), so to narrow it down is very difficult. But the players I have selected are:
JPR Williams, Gavin Hastings, Gerald Davies, Tony O’Reilly, Jason Robinson and Andy Irvine.
These selections give you sufficient cover at full-back with four players in Williams, Hastings, Robinson and Irvine all played internationally at 15. In terms of try threats, then Davies, O’Reilly, Robinson and Irvine gives you that as well from the wings and also you have some good kicking options there.
Centres (5)
I am looking for partnerships and also players who can give you a physical edge to be able to carry the ball. Also footballers who can spot opportunities in defensive lines. My choices are:
Brian O’Driscoll, Jonathan Davies, Bleddyn Williams, Mike Gibson and Will Greenwood
These selections give me three centres in O’Driscoll, Davies and Williams who are more comfortable in the outside-centre position but can be adaptable. Still. with Gibson, I have a football option at inside-centre. Greenwood was a fabulous centre, who can play at 12 or 13 comfortably, great hands and always a try threat.
Fly-Halves (3)
This position has arguably given me the biggest selection headache. So many great tens for the Lions. If JPR is to be my test full-back which he would start, then I need a ten who is a consistent place kicker or look at other options. With that in mind, have selected the following:
Barry John, Jonny Wilkinson and Jackie Kyle
John and Kyle were just magicians in their time on a rugby field. Both were competent goal kickers but could be inconsistent. My safety net is the selection of Wilkinson. A prolific goal kicker, and also can slot in if required, at inside-centre. A nice option to have.