LIONS WATCH

ANXIOUS TIME

THE weeks ahead are going to be full of tension for Gatland and Co, as they hope to avoid too many injury setbacks involving their chosen men. The scares have already started. On Saturday, Dan Biggar went off after a bang to the head and the Northampton fly-half failed an HIA. In Galway, Leinster No 8 Jack Conan limped off in the first half against Connacht.

RECORD IN REACH

SAM SIMMONDS capped a memorable week by touching down twice as Exeter beat Worcester at Sandy Park. The Chiefs No 8 needs two more tries to beat the Premiership record of 17 in a season — set by Dominic Chapman in 1997-98 and matched by Christian Wade in 2016-17.

WING WIZARDS

TWO of the players the Lions will hope can provide a cutting edge in South Africa were quick to show their credentials after being named in Gatland’s squad. Louis Rees-Zammit scored two tries for Gloucester and Anthony Watson matched that feat on behalf of Bath.

POINT MADE

HENRY SLADE was among the men considered most unlucky to be left out of the Lions squad and he delivered a fitting riposte with a superb, long-range solo try for Exeter. It showed off his pace, awareness and ability to kick with his right foot as well as his stronger left.

BOK OF TRICKS

SOUTH AFRICA scrum-half Faf de Klerk was outstanding in attack and defence for Sale in their win over Leicester on Friday night. Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson said after the dynamic display by his side’s diminutive talisman: ‘We just unleash him.’