He missed out once. He missed out twice. At this stage, he is simply… missed.
“Get Joe Launchbury on the phone!”
One of the most shocking decisions made by British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland when putting together his squad for this summer’s tour of New Zealand was leaving Launchbury back home.
The Wasps lock had every right to feel hard done by to miss out on selection and he was dearly missed in the Lions’ First Test, which ended in a 30-15 defeat to a rampaging All Blacks side.
Supporters felt there was a different reason for Launchbury’s omission because, on form and ability, he should really be a part of that squad. Even when Gatland made six late call-ups, Launchbury was left in Argentina [with England] and Wales’ Cory Hill got the nod.
Alun Wyn Jones and George Kruis started at second row for Saturday’s clash at Eden Park, with neither proving all that effective against a typically devastating onslaught from the Kiwis.
Jones, in particular, was singled out for some harsh criticism from frustrated supporters and the Welshman was hauled seven minutes after half-time.
And after the game, those same fans took to social media to claim that the game would have played out differently if Launchbury had received the shout from Gatland.
It’s not too late to fly to New Zealand, is it?
Someone call Launchbury to get on the next flight already! #NZLvBIL #LionsNZ2017
— // R Y A N // (@ryan_whiteman) June 24, 2017
Was just about to say how good launchbury would have played today. Then Teo is taken off… Gatland you are lost mate.
— John McManus (@johnwcmac) June 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/Wigwamjam/status/878538631748747264
Brave performance by the #LionsNZ2017 but Kiwis just outclassed. Still dont understand what Wyn Jones brings that Launchbury doesnt.
— Jon Gleeson (@jon_gleeson) June 24, 2017
Start Joe Launchbury in the next game…. oh wait 🙈 #NZvBIL #Lions2017
— Darren Bovill (@BovDaz) June 24, 2017
Don't care what anyone says, captain or no, Joe Launchbury should be out there and I don't even supportWasps! #LionsNZ2017 #
— Bridget Deptford (@Biddibops) June 24, 2017
*takes pin out of grenade*
Launchbury would make a real difference to this team.
*runs away*
— Blood & Mud Rugby Podcast (@bloodandmud) June 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/Jonny_Harwood/status/878549355275452416
and how Launchbury's in England and not on tour is beyond me.
— Rumple Spilskind (@justus_beets) June 24, 2017
Kruis was poor. Wish Launchbury was there.
— Ruck ’n’ Roll (@RnRRugby) June 24, 2017
