Alun Wyn definitely in frame – Johnson
ENGLAND’S World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson has delivered his verdict on the contenders to captain the British and Irish Lions in South Africa next year.
Warren Gatland will take the reins for his third term as Lions boss in 2021 and has a big job on his hands when it comes to deciding who should lead the tour against the Springboks.
There are a number of big names thought to be in contention, including Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, who will be closing in on his 36th birthday when the team jet off to the rainbow nation.
But Johnson, who captained the Lions against South Africa in 1997, has dismissed any notion that Jones’ age should count against him, believing form and pedigree are vital on these uncompromising tours.
“You are only looking at playing four or five games on the tour, so if he’s got the form, no, it’s not an issue,” Johnson told the Daily Mail.
“And he’s certainly got the experience. Willie John (McBride) was what – 33, 34 when he did it?.”
Jones’ second-row partner out in New Zealand last time out, England lock Maro itoje, is another man who has been touted as potential captain material.
But with so much rugby still to be played, Johnson says the position is still very much up for grabs.
“What you really want is a captain who is going to get in the Test team and command his position, which is tough because there are lots of good second rows around,” Johnson added.
“It’s all to play for.
“There are obviously some guys with credits already.
“Alun Wyn Jones has a lot as a Lion and as Wales captain.
“Itoje has got a lot as a player, but they’ve got to do it all again. They (coaches) won’t be picking off 2018, 2019 and 2020. These guys will have to be doing it in 2021.”
Another star pushing his captaincy credentials is England’s Owen Farrell, and Johnson said: “I’m sure he will be up there in the thick of it.”