JOSEPH DREAMS OF TEST BERTH
JONATHAN JOSEPH only became a British Lion at the 11th hour after Warren Gatland decided he could not make do without his game-changing ability in midfield.
Now, the England centre is keen to repay that faith and in the process stake his claim for a Test starting spot against the All Blacks.
A regular in Eddie Jones’ side, Joseph struggled as part of a lacklustre Lions outfit in the scrappy tour-opening victory over New Zealand’s Provincial Barbarians just three days after landing in the country.
There will be no excuses against the Highlanders here this morning when Joseph partners Robbie Henshaw in midfield. The Lions aim to build on the momentum gathered in the victory over Crusaders on Saturday but for Joseph, the motive is two-fold.
He said: “A Test shirt would be an unbelievable honour, wouldn’t it? But I can’t look too far ahead. It would be the pinnacle for me. But I’ve got to put in some good performances because getting the jersey is no easy task.
“I owe Warren a lot. I want to prove myself on the big stage and there’s no better place to do it. I’m up for the challenge and I’ll do everything I can to put in a good performance. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen, but I have to give myself the best shot.”
Gatland has said the centre pairing is the toughest of his selection headaches. Ben Te’o, Jonathan Davies – ruled out today with a head injury – and Henshaw are all options to consider, as is Owen Farrell as a possible No 12.
“Selection is going to be down to Gats at the end of the day,” said Joseph. “There are people who are playing very well and that’s what these games are for, to put your best foot forward.”
The 12-3 downing of the Crusaders ignited this Lions tour after a start which was at best slow and, at worst, plain average. Gatland has little time to perfect combinations before taking on the All Blacks, with the first Test on Saturday week.
Defence coach Andy Farrell said: “There’s a great battle going on at centre. Players who perform outstandingly well over the coming matches will be in the shop window to start the Tests. JJ is adapting well, leading, and setting good examples in training. He’s looking very sharp.
“What JJ brings is not just the X-Factor, but very few errors in attack and defence. We want to see his X-Factor to make breaks and score some tries because that’s what is needed.”
Joseph goes up against All Black centre Malakai Fekitoa, who will be motivated to make a statement after missing out on Steve Hansen’s squad. “Fekitoa is a good player, so I’m looking forward to that match-up,” said Joseph.
The Highlanders are one of New Zealand’s four Super Rugby sides and are seventh in this season’s competition. They have named a strong side, with All Blacks Waisaki Naholo, Fekitoa and Lima Sopoaga all starting, though their international teammates Ben and Aaron Smith miss the match.
The Lions have scored just two tries in their three games so far. New Zealand’s rugby public have mocked their lack of cutting edge, but Joseph says that will soon end.
“Now it’s about building some momentum after the boys did fantastically well against Crusaders,” he said. “It was a joy to watch and you could tell we had taken another step in the right direction.
“Our attack definitely improved and our defence was relentless. Now we have to get better and better to keep this going.”