Who’ll get the call? On red alert to join Lions
NEWS that the Lions are set to reinforce their squad ahead of the Test series with New Zealand has put players on alert across the British Isles, with phone calls to clubhouses across the land in the coming days likely to be greeted by not-altogether serious shouts of “it’s Warren Gatland on the line”. So who can we expect to head out? It really does depend on injury concerns and how far Gatland is happy for the additions to travel.
England are in Argentina, some 6,000 miles away and in a different time zone, which isn’t exactly ideal with the Chiefs to play next Tuesday.
Ireland are also close on 6,000 miles away, in Japan, while Scotland are in Australia.
Wales? Well, they are in Auckland after their game with Tonga.
How much weight Gatland will put on travel and it’s effects we do not know, but let’s assume in case of 50-50 calls those who are relatively on hand stand more chance of getting the nod.
Extras are likely to be needed at half-back, the front row and lock. Who could hear that phone ringing? WAITING FOR THE CALL Gareth Anscombe The New Zealand-born Ancombe has found some form and can cover a number of positions in the backline and is more than a bit familiar with Kiwi rugby.
He played well for Wales against Tonga and would not have to travel far to link with the Lions squad. Gareth Davies Danny Care is a long way from New Zealand, and on the basis that Davies is virtually on site the Wales man would look a reasonable bet for a call.
He isn’t without critics who say he struggles to control play. But he is can electric attacker and he may just edge out Care and Scotland’s Ali Price. Cian Healy The Lions may need to import a fresh front row and Rob Evans would have been there or thereabouts had he not damaged a hand.
It means there’s potentially a spot open for the vastly experienced Cian Healy.
Injury cost him a Lions ticket in 2013 and a call from Gatland would be reward for patience and perseverance. Dylan Hartley You would think that Hartley would be the stand-out candidate at hooker.
Of course he is a disciplinary issue waiting to happen, but swings and roundabouts: the England man throws accurately at line-outs and would add pep to the squad mix. WP Nel Injury probably cost him a place in the original party, but he is fit now and touring Australia with Scotland.
At the last World Cup he was arguably the best scrummaging tight-head in the tournament. Joe Launchbury There was no one more unlucky than Launchbury not to make the cut for Gatland’s 37-strong squad.
He had an excellent Six Nations and would add a lot with his appetite for tackling and carrying. NEXT CABS OFF THE RANK Jamie Roberts/Scott Williams/Garry Ringrose/ Simon Zebo/Keith Earls This one depends on the state of play over injuries.
Should Gatland want a full-back or wing then Zebo would be favourite, with Earls there or thereabouts. If he requires a centre then Roberts, Williams or the classy Ringrose might be needed. Finn Russell He was widely considered to be unlucky to miss out on a place in the squad in the first place and he is just a hop across the Tasman away with Scotland.
George Ford is an option as well, but Russell had a more than decent Six Nations and may just be ahead of the Englishman. Danny Care or Ali Price Care has significant experience and always makes an impact, while Price is an upwardly mobile player who has significant ability. Gordon Reid A bit thin on the ground here. Nicky Smith is a hard worker who had his moments for Wales against Tonga, even if the scrum occasionally creaked, but perhaps the 30-year-old Reid has a touch more experience. Fraser Brown The Scot could be summoned ahead of Hartley if Gatland opts to steer clear of the Combustible One.
Brown achieves turnovers and always puts in a shift. He would not be found wanting. Tomas Francis or John Ryan Francis prides himself on his scrummaging but he isn’t the last word in industry around the field, while Ryan had a strong season with Munster. Jonny Gray Should Launchbury be deemed out of reach in Argentina, expect Gray to be drafted in.
A lock who empties the tank every time he takes the field, he is a fine player who would be more than capable of making a mark. REAL LEFT-FIELD Sam Davies The 2013 junior world player of the year has the class to adapt and step up and Pat Lam picked him out as a Lion of the future. Might the future be closer than he thinks? Luke McGrath A young man in a hurry who makes his first start for Ireland this weekend. He has ability, if not experience. Dave Kilcoyne Consistent and reliable, he could comfortably do a job. This one perhaps isn’t so left field. Zander Fagerson He is young, 19st and considered a big tight-head talent in the making.
Is he a rank outsider? All things considered, probably not. More a dark horse who could come through. AND HERE’S SOMEONE ELSE WHO’S AVAILABLE... James Davies It’s not going to happen. It really isn’t.
But if there are any mishaps to back-row players then why not whistle up the Scarlets’ Olympic silver medallist?
If the Chiefs or Hurricanes have anyone better at winning turnovers, it would be a surprise.