Warren Gatland will still turn to Conor Murray for finishing touches in Test series opener

Conor Murray, centre, during British & Irish Lions’ squad training at Hermanus High School in Western Cape, South Africa, ahead of the opening Test with South Africa. Picture: Ashley Vlotman

He may have missed out on a Test start but Warren Gatland has told Conor Murray he will still have a crucial role to play for the British & Irish Lions against South Africa this Saturday.

Murray’s hopes of a fourth consecutive Lions Test start following his pivotal role in the 2017 series draw with New Zealand were dashed on Wednesday when Gatland announced his team for the first Test at Cape Town Stadium and the head coach named Scotland’s Ali Price as the starting scrum-half.