Lawes gets chance to unlock Lions logjam
Bashed. Bullied. Beaten up.
None of those words are well received by any self-respecting rugby forward, let alone hearing that assertion from their own coaching staff.
Head coach Warren Gatland was clear after his British and Irish Lions’ 30-15 loss to the All Blacks in the first test in Auckland: ‘‘The disappointing thing is we were dominated in the collisions, in terms of attack and defence.’’
Almost immediately there is a chance for the midweekers to make amends with a bruising, abrasive display against the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight, where locks Courtney Lawes and Iain Henderson can be first to sway Gatland’s thinking for the second test.
‘‘We might have to shake it up a little bit,’’ Gatland said of his test pack, also dropping broad hints that tour captain Sam Warburton and lock Maro Itoje were in the frame for elevation to the top XV, after making an impact off the bench at the breakdown.
A week ago in Hamilton, the Lions monstered the Chiefs up front with Lawes and Henderson both prominent figures. They won 34-6; Lawes and Henderson didn’t force their way into the test side but wing Elliot Daly and fullback Liam Williams did.
‘‘There were definitely a few shocks when the [first test] team was read out,’’ said midfielder Robbie Henshaw yesterday.
‘‘Liam Williams had a brilliant game and Elliot Daly also had a brilliant game last Tuesday. People were shocked to hear they were playing four days later.
‘‘That’s the environment; you stand out and play well and you will be looked at and maybe chosen. It gave everyone confidence and everyone is eager to put in a good performance.’’
Along with the presence of the Hurricanes’ returning All Blacks squad men Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett, Ngani Laumape and Vaea Fifita, the selection edginess and need to get their tour back on track, fast, adds even more to the sold out match at Westpac Stadium.
The 2.01m, 115kg Lawes is dynamic and a robust competitor at the breakdown, and appeals as one to who could steel the Lions at the contact area.
Against the Highlanders and Chiefs he was impressive, although like some All Blacks concussion has been an issue.
‘‘He’s been unlucky with injuries and knocks and he gets managed by England in terms of the amount of training he does,’’ Gatland said. ‘‘He’s had a bit of a hip flexor and it’s kept him out of training the last few days. He’s one of the players with a chance to impress.’’
Henderson also got the plaudits from Lions lineout coach Steve Borthwick, the 57-test England lock. ‘‘Particularly the way he carried the ball and his strength and contact, he ran the lineout very well also. It adds more competition for selection and makes things difficult.’’
With test incumbent George Kruis on the midweek bench after playing the first test, change may be afoot. Alun Wyn Jones is probably safe as the other test starting lock but Itoje, Lawes and Henderson will all be considered, it appears.
Borthwick said: ‘‘We’ve got plenty of options. George Kruis called the lineout very well on Saturday, and we’ve seen Iain Henderson and Maro has called on this tour, Alun Wyn Jones, we’ve got options which is great.’’
Lineout aside, Tuesday needs to signal a strong, physical reply from the midweekers. ‘‘Clearly we lost too many contacts and we were on the wrong side of the scoreboard.
‘‘That needs to be addressed this weekend. There will be changes tactically. We need to improve, concentrating on [tonight’s] game first.’’