The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Even Lions require aid as Gatland casts extras
Coach to draft in reinforcements for New Zealand
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.”