Fight like Lions... Do these ‘bolters’ have a case for forcing their way into tour plans?
It wouldn’t be a Lions build-up without a focus on the famed ‘bolter’ – a player who strides forward from nowhere to earn a late place on the tour.
With the clock ticking towards Warren Gatland’s April 19 squad announcement, ROB LLOYD looks at those who could stake an 11thhour claim for a ticket on the plane to New Zealand. CHRIS ASHTON There is a growing clamour for the Saracens winger to be included in Gatland’s party following his latest two-try showing in the Champions Cup win over Glasgow.
Ashton, who last featured for England three years ago, has been quick to distance himself from talk of a potential call-up. “I think my missus is closer to it than me,” he joked before Sunday’s quarter-final at Allianz Park.
But while questions still remain over his defence, there aren’t many players in European rugby who can match the winger’s predatory qualities with Ashton now the joint highest try-scorer in the tournament’s history. Is also a proven international finisher with a strike rate of 19 tries in 39 Tests. JOEY CARBERY Regular viewers of the Guinness Pro12 will know all about Carbery’s prodigious talent, with the 21-year-old helping put the Scarlets to the sword with two tries in Dublin last month.
Carbery, who has just three Ireland caps to his name, showcased his pedigree to a European audience at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, delivering a classy man-of-the-match performance from full-back in Leinster’s stunning quarter-final win over Wasps.
Made more metres (160) than any player in a big-name field and is equally adept at fly-half. RICHARD HIBBARD Is enjoying a headline-grabbing season at Kingsholm and again made his mark in Gloucester’s Challenge Cup triumph over Cardiff Blues on Saturday night.
Looked a man on a mission, putting in some trademark hits and bringing Test-level physicality to a high-tempo quarter-final tie.
There were a few missed tackles in there, but it is clear the former Osprey, a Test starter in Australia four years ago, is sniffing another opportunity this summer. TAULUPE FALETAU Some would question whether the 66-cap Wales No. 8 can be labelled a bolter, but Faletau hasn’t started a Test for his country this season and has ground to make up on his rivals.
Even though Gatland won’t need any reminder of Faletau’s all-round talents, his two-try performance against Brive at The Rec would have given the New Zealander a timely nudge. PETER O’MAHONY Has been plagued by injury in recent seasons and was barely seen during the Six Nations until he stepped forward with a man-of-the-match display against England in the Championship finale in Dublin.
The Munster skipper followed that up with another standout performance in his province’s resounding Thomond Park victory over Toulouse.
An attritional, tough as teak back-rower who fits right into the Gatland mould, O’Mahony is making a serious claim for a tour spot. DENNY SOLOMONA Reports recently emerged that the Lions coaches are keeping an eye on the former rugby league flyer’s progress at Sale with forwards coach Andy Farrell understood to be a member of the ex-Castleford man’s fan club.
A strike rate of 11 tries in 11 matches for the Sharks has been impressive, but it would be a contentious call from Gatland considering there are a host of