Now is the time to force a way into Gatland’s opening Test XV

WARREN GATLAND has named his first team and you can feel the excitement. I went on two Lions tours as a player and when you pull on the jersey and run out for the first time it is magical. It’s also a massive release. The show is finally on the road and although I’d be fairly certain that Gatland has already got most of his Test team inked in, Saturday presents a chance for others to stake a case. It looks like Sam Warburton has made a complete recovery from his knee injury but it’s important he gets a good run out and as much game time as necessary so he’s match fit for the first Test. The same also applies to Alun Wyn Jones. He is a great Lion but such is the strength in that position that he faces a big fight to make the Test XV. Johnny Sexton, whose form tailed off a little at the end of the season, has an early chance to get back to his best. This is a strong, attack-minded line-up and they have the opportunity to show that through their collective spirit, grit and talent they can dig deep and perform brilliantly just 72 hours after stepping off the plane. No complaints, no excuses, just great rugby.