Gatland left with plenty to ponder

Warren Gatland made it from London to Edinburgh in the nick of time yesterday only to see Ireland lose at Murrayfield for the first time since he last took them there 12 years ago.

If the Lions’ head honcho spent most of the day scratching his head, it will have had as much to do with the performances of some of those who won Test selection during the last series in South Africa four years ago.

Rory Best missing four throws out of five in the lineout? Unheard of, before yesterday. Keith Earls inexplicably taking the wrong line when he had Brian O’Driscoll screaming for the inside ball and the early try which would probably have spared Ireland their embarrassment. Rob Kearney has still to reach the commanding form which made him imperious against the Springboks in 2009 and many times since. He will go to Australia, of course, but on the evidence of the championship Leigh Halfpenny is the form full-back. Best will also make the tour, probably as the best but as yet no other hooker is making a persuasive case for going with him. The same can be said of the scrum-halves. Mike Phillips has made enough ground after a shaky start to suggest he will start where he left off with the last Lions.