Lions hopefuls may be bypassed

WARREN GATLAND sees light at the end of the tunnel following the decision to allow rugby fixtures continue throughout the country this weekend.

Yet, the Irish coach believes a number of his international players are disadvantaged in relation to selection for the Lions tour to Australia later this year.

“There is no doubt certain individuals will have problems convincing the Lions selectors they are good enough to travel Down Under.

The Six Nations Committee discussed the situation yesterday to review the current status of the foot and mouth epidemic and its effect on the Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship. They are expected to issue an update today even though they reaffirmed the Championship would be completed in its entirety.

The decision was welcomed by Gatland who bids to keep his Irish squad together at a difficult time.

“We have had training sessions and have some more planned, but it is hard to keep players focused when they are not playing matches.

“I understand the whole reasoning behind postponing matches up to now. I understand that the situation has to be monitored constantly because I come from a farming background in New Zealand myself. But I am also glad to see rugby up and running again.

“If the games this weekend were called off, it would have been the end of the season. There is no doubt about that. I don’t think club rugby could have recovered if another weekend was lost.

“We won’t know for some time whether the European Cup and International matches will go ahead as planned. At least, we have our players involved at some level. It’s not the perfect scenario, but it is a start. As I said, our last training sessions were restricted but at least the players were there.”

The next big international games take place between England and France on April 7 and Italy against Wales on the following day. Ireland hold the key to the Six Nations competition being completed and Gatland is hopeful everything slots into place.

“Nobody wanted the situation we find ourselves in at the moment. It is unfortunate but the precautions taken at the time were absolutely necessary. Everyone involved with the Irish team wants to complete our participation in this tournament. We look forward to playing Wales, England and Scotland.”

Gatland yesterday referred to the injury sustained by David Wallace in an Irish training session earlier this week. “We still don’t know the extent of the injury although I am told it isn’t that bad. Right now, we need every player we can have to report fit for training and for the forthcoming internationals.

“David has done very well since he came into the side. The good news, even if he was to be ruled out, is that Kieron Dawson is back in the frame. Kieron isn’t match fit but has made a spectacular recovery and I have to be happy with his progress.

“What we need to do now is to get all our players back on the pitch, hope that they don’t get injured and hope that the people who were injured earlier in the season make it back. It could all work out very well in the end.”

But Gatland reiterated his views that some players could miss out on the summer Lions tour to Australia.

“I think the squad is going to be finalised before we complete our Six Nations matches. If certain individuals were to lose out because they have been without games it would be a pity.

“Even though a few guys might benefit because other candidates might not perform, it is still not the ideal situation.

“You want to see people perform on the highest stage and I’m sure the selectors will want to be fair to all concerned.

“From an Irish point of view, we set out to do well in the Six Nations and we have done well so far. But we also wanted to do well for the people in with a shout of selection for the Lions as well.”