Warburton in Test audition
WITH just 67 minutes of rugby under his belt since April 7, Sam Warburton is underdone.
The Lions skipper featured in the tour-opening victory over New Zealand’s Provincial Barbarians but hasn’t been seen since after a slight ankle injury followed a more serious knee problem.
Warburton is now back in action and captains the Lions against the Highlanders in Dunedin tomorrow. It’s a big moment for the 28-year-old, who must prove his fitness to Warren Gatland, right, as the first Test with the All Blacks at Eden Park on June 24 looms into view.
“I’m just desperate to get some minutes under my belt. I know when I do, I’ll be absolutely fine so I’m delighted to be getting this start,” said Warburton.
“I definitely need more games. I admit that and I knew that coming into the tour. I’ve learned from experience it takes me at least two games to get a blow-out and then in the third game, I’ll probably be playing some good rugby.
“It feels it’s audition time for the Test series. The coaches are going to start putting their Test team together pretty soon.”
A fully-fit Warburton is an automatic selection as captain and openside. The problem, of course, is there are doubts which persist over whether that is the case.
Gatland’s 41-man squad boasts such impressive depth that it would be folly to gamble on a man who has concerns over his ability to last the game. Sean O’Brien’s rigorous display in the 12-3 win over Crusaders in Canterbury underlined that.
Warburton is far from indispensable, but he is also the apple of Gatland’s eye and the head coach will be desperate for him to be available. That’s why these 80 minutes at Forsyth Barr Stadium are so vital for the man who led the Lions on their successful tour of Australia in 2013.
“I know there is every chance I might not even get involved in the first Test,” said Warburton.
“But there are three Tests to get selected for, so it’s not the be-all and end-all with the first one.
“I’ll be honest with Gats and he will be honest with me. If I play on Tuesday and I still feel I’m a bit undercut, then I might not be ready for that first Test.
“If I feel I need more games, then I’ll tell Warren I don’t feel ready. If I don’t need any, then I’ll obviously let him know that with a good performance.”
Having got back to winning ways by inflicting a first defeat of the season on Crusaders, the Lions need to build on the much-needed momentum they gathered Christchurch.
Gatland has selected Dan Biggar at fly-half after the Wales back recovered from a head knock suffered in the defeat to Auckland Blues.
Jared Payne is named at full-back with James Haskell – who will take on his former side – and CJ Stander joining Warburton in the back row. The likes of Tommy Seymour, Jack in Nowell and Iain Henderson, who have been quiet on the tour to date, have an opportunity to make an impression as Gatland divides his squad between his likely Test 23 and his midweek dirt-trackers. If he comes through in Dunedin, Warburton will be in the first category. Conor Murray, Owen Farrell, George Kruis and Taulupe Faletau are four men almost certain to begin the Test opener with the All Blacks. The Highlanders have named a trio of All Blacks backs in Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa and Lima Sopoaga in their side. The Lions have sent Stuart Hogg to be assessed by a specialist after he suffered a cheekbone injury in Christchurch. Jonathan Davies, who like Hogg was forced off in the first half at AMI Stadium with a head injury, is “symptom free” of concussion, according to Gatland.
LIONS: Replacements: HIGHLANDERS: Replacements: