I hope I’m in time for my Lions call
GEORGE KRUIS is crossing his fingers that it will be a case of better late than never when it comes to tomorrow’s selection for the Lions tour. The England second row played his first game since December in Saracens’ win at Northampton on Sunday and after coming through a full 80 minutes intact a week ahead of schedule he has done all he can to remind Warren Gatland, right, of his existence.
The Lions coach sits down with his assistants in London today to draw up his final squad of around 38 for the trip to New Zealand and Kruis, despite his lack of rugby, has been elevated to the status of live contender.
Burnout will certainly not be an issue after a season restricted to just 10 appearances for club and country before his timely comeback. “I was pleasantly surprised,” he said. “I have not had too long to get on my feet and do my fitness so it was always going to be a lung burner. I am happy with the result and to be back playing.
“On Christmas Eve I broke my cheekbone and then I got back to fitness for the France week in the Six Nations but then did my knee and foot.
“You get injured and you try to get back as soon as possible. We were aiming for the Munster Champions Cup semi-final next weekend so this was a bonus. I am pretty happy with my 80 minutes and I’ll just try to build on it.
“I know there’s a lot of hype about the Lions selection. I have had such a long year being injured I just want to get back playing. It’s the only thing on my mind.”
Second row is one of the areas which will take up some time today for Gatland and Co as an area of genuine strength for the Lions. With Alun Wyn Jones, Jonny Gray and the hotly-tipped Ulsterman Iain Henderson as well as the English trio of Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury, Kruis has some fierce competition.
If Gatland wants a worldclass lineout caller though, a space will have to be made for the restored Kruis. Like the rest of the squad with the exception of the captain – widely expected to be Sam Warburton again – the 27-year-old will not be tipped off before the official announcement of the squad at noon tomorrow. They will find out their fate either on Sky Sports News or the Lions Facebook page.
“I’d be lying if I said it’s not in your mind,” admitted Saracens hooker Jamie George, who looks more secure of his place than the hooker he understudies with England, Dylan Hartley. “The nice thing is we’ve had big games back to back and none bigger than Munster away at the Aviva. That will at least take my mind off it a little bit.” Munster scrum-half Conor Murray looks set to miss that game with the shoulder injury sustained against Wales but is expected to be fit for the Lions tour. For Elliot Daly, who played against the Lions four years ago in their warmup match against the Barbarians in Hong Kong, the reading of the names will be an exquisite torture. Daly, who is in contention for a utility back role, said: “We watched it four years ago and I’m sure that everyone will be watching it again. It’s one of those iconic moments, isn’t it? “It’s a massive thing for the rugby community and we’re all looking forward to it.”