Fleet-footed Croft seizes opportunity

HE’S currently Fleet Street’s cause célèbre, the flanker-turned-second row who can do no wrong. According to one broadsheet writer, it was a “startling decision” he was overlooked for Lions selection, his place apparently going to Alan Quinlan.

But as Quinlan’s appeal against a 12-week suspension was last night upheld by an ERC independent committee, Tom Croft was quickly named in his place for the South African trip.

However, the 23-year-old will be looking for another sterling performance against Leinster on Saturday to prove to McGeechan he should have been in the original Lions party.