KYLE SINCKLER ON...
...His bust up with Arthur Iturria
“I was a bit frustrated about the whole incident. I don’t condone what I did, but they didn’t show the full replay of what actually transpired. I didn’t just smack him on the head. There was stuff that happened before. I don’t want to dwell on that...the big learn-on for me is that I’d done my job in terms of counter-rucking, he’s lost his cool, so move on instead of retaliating. I’m not perfect and I’ve learned from it. Off the back of it I tried to make a big carry and knocked-on – it’s one of those things. Don’t go trying to chase the game.”
...Gatland picking him for the 2017 Lions
“Gats is a world-class coach. The experience I had with him was really good. He backed me. I had no indication of going on the Lions tour. One thing with Gats, he definitely prepares his team well, and with Alun-Wyn Jones in the pack, he’s a guy who has a lot of respect not only in the Wales camp, but in world rugby. They will be diligently prepared and tough up front.”
...If Mako Vunipola’s absence cranks-up the pressure on him
“I never put pressure on myself – the only thing I do is concentrate on my preparation. The only time I felt pressure was in the early part of my career when I felt nervous because I didn’t prepare well. There is no pressure or nerves when you know the game plan, you’ve trained hard, prepared well, recovered well, and done all your analysis. Then, what will be will be.”
...Eddie Jones giving him a chance
“I wasn’t even starting for Harlequins, and he took me on the 2016 tour to Australia – which gave me the kick up the bum I needed to get my act together.”
...If Adam Jones will be on the phone this week
“I don’t know, you would have to ask him. I always speak to him and get his thoughts on certain opponents and what I like to do, and if he would do similar things. I am pretty lucky to have his resource whenever I need it.”
...Preparation he does now that he didn’t do before?
“Yes...a lot of stuff. When you are 18-years-old – like most of us when we are that age – you think you know everything, but you come to realise you have no clue.”