The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Even Lions require aid as Gatland casts extras
Rugby union: Coach to draft in reinforcements for New Zealand
Warren Gatland is expected to draft as many as six extra players on to the British and Irish Lions tour next week.
The Lions’ reinforcements would be primed to take seats on the bench in Tuesday’s match against Waikato against the Chiefs, to ease the pressure on the tourists’ Test match 23.
The three-Test series against New Zealand starts on June 24 and Tuesday’s Chiefs match represents a heavy burden after today’s Maori All Blacks encounter in Rotorua.
Gatland had initially raised the idea of adding a clutch of players to his Lions squad ahead of the Chiefs encounter back in September.
Now the head coach is understood to be ready to do just that, with Wales currently in New Zealand and Scotland touring Australia and Fiji.
Ireland are in Japan, while England’s Argentina Test series ends today.
The Lions bolstered their squad late on in Australia in 2013, with call-up Alex Corbisiero claiming a try as the tourists stole a series win in the third Test.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen on Thursday called the Lions’ plans to add to their ranks, hinting at a potential disconnect between midweek and Saturday line-ups.
But the Lions are confident they will maintain a tight-knit group, even if they do call for reinforcements.
“I think he’s about to bring a few players out to give himself the ability to play with two squads,” said All Blacks coach Hansen. “He’s at the stage where he wants to do that.”
Assistant coach Steve Borthwick insisted, however, that the Lions currently boast a focused and motivated squad.
“I think I’ve been hugely impressed by the leadership of the players, all the players in how close this group is,” said Borthwick. “All the players have worked hard to ensure it’s a socially-cohesive group.”
Influential fly half Owen Farrell remains a serious injury doubt ahead of the first All Blacks Test.
The England player has suffered a quadriceps strain faces a race against time to start the Test series, with Borthwick adding: “The medical team will take great care of him. Hopefully he’ll be back as soon as possible.”