Still in the mix: Gethin Jenkins
Warren Gatland has said he will consider the inclusion of French-based players for the Lions tour to Australia.
Gatland had previously questioned whether French-based players would be selected due to a clash between the Lions' first fixture against the Barbarians in Hong Kong and the Top 14 Final.
However Gatland has now stated that he will keep an open mind when it comes the availability of players such as Steffon Armitage, Gethin Jenkins and Jonny Wilkinson.
"There are a number of players in Toulon who are playing well and putting their hands up," said Gatland told The Daily Telegraph.
"I have said all along that my preference is to have everyone on the plane going together.
"When you have got the Premiership and Pro 12 final basically the day before we fly out, there is a potential that the first time the squad will be together is on the squad for our farewell dinner.
"That makes it difficult for preparation point of view and if you are going to potentially add some French players the week after that, it is not ideal. But that said, you have to be a little bit flexible, depending on injuries and form."
"I am not going to back myself into a corner and say 'this is my 100 per cent policy'."
Comments
Toulongoddard says...
phillips
sexton
11cuthbert
12roberts
13tuilagi
14 north
15 halfpenny --> over rob kearny because sextons kicking is poor and the welshman can do the job :)
Posted 15:58 05th November 2012
Irishzimbabwean says...
Have to agree with Papachinzo - Wilkinson was woeful at RWC 2011, he is now past it and doing well in his twilight years in Toulon. Not British Lions.
Posted 11:24 05th November 2012
papachinzo says...
The British Irish and Toulon Lions... nah, doesn't work. Sorry Wilkinson.
Sexton, Biggar and either O'Gara or Priestland as cover.
Posted 04:02 03rd November 2012
makemehappy says...
I think you have to take Sheridan and Jenkins.
Of course (regardless of form), its clear that Phillips will be on the tour too.
Posted 13:11 02nd November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Ooh la la. I was hoping they would all hop on the plane before the S14 final. Now it looks like they won't have to. Shame.
Posted 20:47 01st November 2012
Bones7 says...
I agree with sirtidychris, I've criticised Sheridan before but he is in great form and could just be that guy the Aussies don't want to play against. No matter how much their props would back themselves you would still have that doubt in the back of your mind that someone had worn your shirt against him before and got wrecked
Posted 16:56 01st November 2012
pierredelot1 says...
Too right. The Lions is about the best the four nations can produce, where they are based is of no consequence.
Posted 13:17 01st November 2012
sirtidychris says...
I'd take sheridan over jenkins at the moment, must be something in the water in toulon seems to heal previously injury prone players....sheridan at full strength is a beast and boy does he love scrummaging against the ozzies !!
Posted 13:02 01st November 2012
melkdave says...
Given the present form of the Armitages and Sheriadan/Wilinson ect. ,how could he not
Posted 11:43 01st November 2012