Greig backs Gat’s move
RUGBY UNION: LIONS TOUR
GREIG LAIDLAW has defended Warren Gatland’s controversial decision to call six new players into the British Lions squad.
Gatland was accused of devaluing the shirt in deeming England’s tourists in Argentina and Ireland’s in Japan needed too much travel time to join the touring party.
Instead, Wales quartet Cory Hill, Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis have made the short trip from Auckland.
Scotland duo Allan Dell and Finn Russell have also linked-up, having just played and beaten Australia.
All the new boys have been named on the Lions’ bench for tomorrow’s clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton, to keep the front-line stars fresh for Saturday’s first Test against New Zealand.
Scotland scum-half Laidlaw said: “They are all Test match players. Warren’s made it no secret this was his plan all along. “It’s something he did on the Australia tour in 2013. He thought it would be successful then, and it did work. Now he’s gone down the same track. “So, ultimately, it’s to look after the Test squad, which is so important now at this stage of the series. It’s about looking after everyone to make sure we get the best performance in the Test matches when they come around.” Laidlaw joins Iain Henderson, Dan Biggar and Elliot Daly in starting for the midweek side, having come off the bench in Saturday’s convincing 32-10 win against the Maori All Blacks. Ireland hooker Rory Best has been named skipper and head coach Gatland said: “We are here to win a Test series. “We have brought cover for the replacements’ bench so we can limit the number of players who need to double up, which is tough to do at this level of rugby. “Those involved on Tuesday will be playing not only for themselves, in terms of further selection, but also for the whole squad.” Gatland expects Owen Farrell (thigh) to be fit for Saturday’s Test but tour captain Sam Warburton is facing a fight to oust one of Irish pair Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien in the back row. Gatland added: “There’s no doubt there’s pressure on certain players and certain combinations have gone well. “For Sam, we were hoping he was going to be part of the 23 against the Crusaders. Unfortunately he rolled his ankle a little bit so hadn’t recovered in time. “There will be some tough debates and discussions to have on the final make up of what the back row is going to be.”