WHERE’S YOUR ROAR POWER?
Gatland challenges Wales aces to prove Lions’ worth
W ARREN GATLAND has delivered a stark Six Nations warning to Wales’ out of form stars, telling them they HAVE to improve to make his Lions squad.
The Welsh coach spelt out his message as caretaker coach Rob Howley prepares to lead his men into action against Italy in Rome next Sunday.
The battle for places in Gatland’s party for New Zealand steps up in ear- nest with hopefuls from Wales, England, Ireland and Scotland each out to impress the Lions boss in the coming weeks.
But the Kiwi, who has bossed Wales since 2008, made it clear he will be looking to the other three nations if Gatland stalwarts don’t step up to the plate in the Six Nations.
In the decisive third Lions Test against Australia last time out, Gatland named 10 of his Welsh play- ers in the starting XV, while Justin Tipuric came off the bench for Sean O’Brien.
Jamie Roberts and George North, two Wales kingpins under Gatland, each scored tries in that 41-16 thumping of the Wallabies in Sydney.
Jonathan Davies was chosen ahead of Lions legend Brian O’Driscoll, while Sam Warburton had gone into the tour as skipper.
Gatland did not name names, but each of those four have been amongst those struggling for recent form in the Test arena.
It’s a situation that Gatland isn’t prepared to ignore, saying: “There are a lot of guys from 2013 still playing, but if they are to be selected for 2017, their form is going to have to improve.
“There are a lot of things up in the air and there is a lot of exciting talent about.”
Of the Lions captaincy issue, Gatland admitted he would veer towards Dylan Hartley if Eddie Jones’ defending champions England were successful again.
“Is it someone who has been a Lion already, or someone who has done a good job in this Six Nations?” said Gatland. “Dylan has done a great job with his leadership with England. Yes, if Dylan leads England to another Grand Slam that could sway it.
“As for Sam [Warburton], he’s got to get selected for Wales first and foremost. The captain has to be sure of his place. If he is not, then we will ruthless on tour and drop him.”
Wales kick off their campaign away to Italy, before hosting England in Cardiff on the second weekend.
They also play Ireland at home, with away trips to Scotland and France.