BIG SIN-NER’S IN HEAVEN
KYLE SINCKLER is living in “rugby heaven” ahead of his British Lions bow.
Harlequins prop Sinckler is yet to start for England but will pull on a Lions shirt in tomorrow morning’s tour opener.
Sinckler, 24, has been thrust straight into action against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei.
And he is still coming to terms with his meteoric rise as he lines up alongside the best of the British Isles.
He said: “I’m in rugby heaven at the moment. I’ve got Rory Best next to me who has 104 caps, I’ve got Alun Wyn Jones who has 110, Joe Marler, regarded as one of the best looseheads in the world, Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau.
“I’m just trying to learn off these guys and see what works and what doesn’t.
“I am just taking it all in and try and learn because these guys have 100-odd, 70-odd caps for a reason. That’s where I want to be.
“So there is no greater place for me to be at the moment than learning off these world-class players.” Sinckler has only been utilised as an impact replacement under Eddie Jones for England but knows he has to keep his cool in a heated environment.
He added: “There’s a fine edge. If you get too overemotional, too revved up, too psyched up, then you kind of forget your job.
Renditions
“You get in little scuffles and you start overthinking things. That comes with experience.”
Sinckler might be a Lions rookie but has watched reruns of countless past tours – and has even learned rousing pre-match speeches off by heart.
“This is our Everest!” said Sinckler, referencing Jim Telfer’s famous pep talk from the 1997 tour of South Africa.
“I think I’ve watched that about 100 times. The other players know that and they do ask me to do renditions of the Jim Telfers, the Paul O’Connells. I’ve watched it all.
“I’ve always been a fan and always will be. So it’s just a massive honour to put on the jersey at the weekend and hopefully I can leave it in a better place.”
Lions coach Warren Gatland will be up against a familiar face, with son Bryn lining up at fly-half for the Barbarians.
Gatland Snr said: “We will go out there and give a good performance. They will be hugely up for it and have half a dozen players who are involved in Super Rugby squads.” DENNY SOLOMONA is set to be fit for England’s tour to Argentina. England fly to South America tomorrow and the Sale Sharks winger (foot) is expected to travel.