Davies set for back-up duty after Murray call

GARETH Davies is facing an uphill battle to force his way into the Lions Test team.

The decision by Warren Gatland to install Conor Murray as tour captain in the wake of Alun Wyn Jones dislocating his shoulder against Japan on Saturday indicates the Irish ace is nailed-on to claim the Lions No. 9 shirt.

It is some turnaround for Murray. Not long ago he was worried that he might not secure a place in the Lions squad.

Now he finds himself as tour captain.

The truth is Gatland has long been a fan.

He singled him out for praise after the 2013 Lions tour and was impressed by the Irishman again on tour four years later.

The Kiwi likes him as a player and as a person and also trusts him.

There’ll be no guarantees for anyone when it comes to making the Test side – that tends not to be Gatland’s style – but Scarlets star Davies and Scotland’s Ali Price now have a mountain to climb.

Murray was chosen ahead of Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje, Ken Owens and Stuart Hogg, who had each been linked with the role previously.

Speaking about the unexpected decision for the first time, Murray said: “Warren asked me just before the cap ceremony and it was surreal. But it’s something that is an unbelievable honour, something that I never thought would be possible.

“We’re very disappointed to lose Alun Wyn. He’s been brilliant for the first two weeks.

“I’ve known him from the past two tours and he’s been incredible. It’s a huge loss.

“What kind of puts me at ease is that we’ve such a good leadership group that it means I can continue being myself.

“There’ll be a little bit more responsibility, but I don’t think it should change anything around the camp.

“I think that’s one of the most important things – that I remain myself, and I assume that’s why Warren asked me to do it.”

Asked if he was surprised when Gatland plumped for him ahead of some of the more established captains in the squad, Murray replied: “Yeah, a little bit to be honest. I didn’t even think about it.

“There is such a good group of leaders in this squad that it makes it less daunting, definitely. There are others you can lean on.

“When it was announced I got a big round of applause and the others were congratulating me. It feels really close.”