Absent Irish trio a huge loss, admits Howley

LIONS assistant backs coach Rob Howley yesterday admitted that Irish trio Jerry Flannery, Stephen Ferris and Tomas O’Leary would have made their mark at Test level on this tour but for injury.

Asked to single out individuals who would be sorely missed for Saturday’s opening clash with South Africa in Durban, Howley named the Irish men who have been sidelined by elbow, knee and ankle problems respectively.

The former Welsh and Lions scrum half is, however, relatively confident that the touring side will be capable of producing a side worthy of success, despite the absence of those Grand Slam winners.