Sinckler admits he had to take stock

– British and Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler wants to get in the faces of the Highlanders today, but without the lack of discipline that has often landed him in trouble.

The Harlequins and England front-rower admitted he has let his aggressive streak get the better of him in the past before receiving a ticking-off from more experienced team-mates.

Sinckler’s club colleagues Adam Jones and James Horwill told him to calm down or risk his career and it has paid off with the 24-year-old set for his second Lions start in Dunedin.

He said the turning point was a match at Wasps last year when he came on at half-time furious at how poorly his team was playing.

“I could’ve probably been sent off about two or three times in that game. They sat me down on that Monday after and took it upon themselves to tell me: ‘Look, you’ve got to stop it’,” he said.

“They said it’s always me starting the fights and costing the team.

“I needed to sit back and think if Adam Jones – 95 caps for Wales, and James Horwill – 62 caps and Australia captain, have gone out of their way to speak to me then I needed to sort myself out.”

Sinckler has never made a Test start for England, but was impressive against the Provincial Barbarians recently.

With another chance to shine against the Highlanders, his combination of power and setpiece technique could yet see him make the Lions side to face the All Blacks.

“I want to be physical, I want to play on the edge and in people’s faces, but in the right way, not to the detriment of the team,” he said.

Sinckler, who has a surprising turn of pace for a 122kg prop forward, played in the backs as a youth and said he may show off some of his old skills in Dunedin.

“I enjoy having the ball in my hands and running lines off number nine and 10,” he said. –