Controversial Gatland upset
WARREN Gatland is never one to shirk away from making big and often highly-contentious selection calls, whether with Wales or the British and Irish Lions.
In 2013, he incurred the wrath of the Irish nation when dropping the legend that is Brian O’Driscoll for Wales centre Jonathan Davies for the deciding third Test with the Wallabies in Sydney and, though Gatland’s side prevailed 41-16 to be series winners, it did little to lift the ire in the Emerald Isle over the decision.
Former Lions hooker Keith Wood was among the most vocal critics of Gatland’s decision to drop arguably the greatest Irish player and refused to change his stance after the series win.
He said: “I was glad to see the Lions win at the end, absolutely.
“And I thought it could have been a bit more exciting.
“I thought there could have been a bit more flair, a bit more of a blend of the four teams.”
Though not on the grand scale of the O’Driscoll furore back in 2013, Gatland could well upset the applecart in New Zealand this summer and infuriate Ireland, England, Scotland or even Wales fans with perceived injustices in the selection meetings.
We take a look at the potential contentious selection issues and the countries Gatland risks upsetting. this time around .... Leigh Halfpenny or Liam Williams at full-back instead of Stuart Hogg... Gatland has already caused some furore north of Hadrian’s Wall when only selecting two Scots in the initial 41-strong Lions squad despite their strong showing in the Six Nations Championship that saw wins over Ireland and Wales.
Glasgow full-back Hogg was named the Six Nations player of the tournament after also winning the accolade 12 months earlier.
He was a nailed-on Lions tourist and many people’s punt to be the starting No.15 against the All Blacks.
But Gatland is his own man and is a fully paid-up member of the Halfpenny fan club with what the Toulon star has brought to the Welsh party down the years.
It means Saracens-bound Williams has more often than not had to win the bulk of his 43 Welsh caps out on the wing and anything other than Hogg in the No.15 jersey for the first Test at Eden Park, on June 24, is sure to have the Scots choking on their single malt when the side is unveiled at 8pm (BST) on June 21.