For others – mainly the players taking part in the PRO14’s Rainbow Cup – there is less at stake which is why there is a balance to be had between playing and resting.
It was telling for me to read Dai Young’s and Toby Booth’s comments on Lions trio Josh Adams, captain Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric.
Young said he has had “sleepless nights” over Josh playing in recent games for Cardiff Blues, adding “he wouldn’t forgive himself” if the wing got injured and missed the tour. Booth, the head coach at my former side Ospreys, said Jones and Tipuric “needed saving from themselves” despite their wish to keep on playing.
All three of those Wales and Lions players were left out of their Rainbow Cup games this weekend and I think that’s sensible. I take my hat off to Dai and Toby for their approach. Dai has been a Lion so he understands the huge importance of the famous red shirt to a player.
There is no doubt the fear of injury will be something occupying every player in Warren Gatland’s 37-man party for South Africa right now. It is inevitable. It will be in the back of your mind that even something small like a little hamstring or calf tear could rule you out of taking on the Springboks. But of course, injuries can happen at any time.
This story is from the June 06, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 06, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
