Liam told to put a lid on it

WARREN GATLAND has poured salt into Liam Williams’ wounds. He is hoping the sting will ensure a critical lesson is finally learnt by his exceptional Lions full-back.

Williams endured a painful 39 minutes against Italy. Selected ahead of Leigh Halfpenny to form an electric back three with George North and Steff Evans, he was yellow-carded for an unnecessary and high tackle on Italy No15 Matteo Minozzi behind the Italian tryline just before half-time, and was sent to the cooler for 10 minutes.

Gatland extended that for another half hour by sending out Halfpenny in his place, fearing that yellow would turn to red. With second place up for grabs in Saturday’s Six Nations finale against France, Gatland said: “It is about Liam controlling that emotion.

“There was a bit of frustration but he catches him high and it could have been a red card.

“I have sat him down before but it is not a major issue. I don’t want him to lose that emotion. That what makes him as good as he is.”