Joe Schmidt says he can't influence Lions selection

Joe Schmidt said being further away from New Zealand than the likes of Scottish and Welsh players is not helping the Irish cause

Joe Schmidt said that he is not in a position to influence who might get called up to the Lions, but said being further away from New Zealand than the likes of Scottish and Welsh players is not helping the Irish cause, writes John Fallon in Japan.

Keith Earls produced another masterclass display as Ireland dished out a 50-22 hammering to Japan, but Schmidt said they had not received any calls about some of them being called into action for the Lions.