Two weeks out from the first game, eight weeks out from the last game – Jamie Heaslip could’ve and should’ve been called up.
The loss of Billy Vinupola is absolutely devastating to the Lions’ chances in New Zealand. The English number eight has withdrawn from the tour owing to an ongoing shoulder injury and the home nations’ side suddenly looks a little more fragile.
Absolutely massive blow to @lionsofficial losing Billy Vunipola. Not sure if there could have been a bigger loss of personnel.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) May 21, 2017
But, in his place, Warren Gatland has gone for another English man in the form of James bloody Haskell.
That means Jamie Heaslip has been overlooked again and that means he can feel pretty damn unlucky.
The Irish international is still trying to reclaim full fitness himself but you’d have thought he’d be the obvious replacement for Vunipola, especially with CJ Stander and Peter O’Mahony already in the squad. Especially seeing as he’s a natural number eight. Especially seeing as he can lead, he can bulldoze, he can just about do everything required defensively.
Hard to argue with James Haskell on why Peter O'Mahony effectively took his Lions spot https://t.co/EFnEhbdXvl
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 3, 2017
As it was, it was the English who got the nod again.
“It is really disappointing for Billy and we know how much he was looking forward to joining the squad,” Warren Gatland said.
“He has been carrying an injury and feels he wouldn’t be able to contribute fully to the Tour and needs further medical treatment.
“We really appreciate his honesty in making this decision and wish him luck with his recovery.
“We have called up James to the squad, we wish him all the best next weekend and look forward to welcoming him into camp before we depart.”
That news hasn’t gone down well with everyone though.
https://twitter.com/ChipHarrison100/status/866380430739722240
And the absence of Heaslip didn’t go unnoticed either.
https://twitter.com/LBod3/status/866402201253662721
I thought Heaslip would have been a no brainer mate!? Maybe he's picked up a knock as well??
— Gavin Evans. (@Gavevans88) May 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/hybs11/status/866408887720841218
Still no Heaslip called up!!
— Andrew (@AndrewMcDublin) May 21, 2017
Big loss, Haskell ok I can see it, but do think heaslip unlucky here?
— Nathan gosling (@GoslingOut) May 21, 2017
The man himself seemed to deal with it alright though.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUXsQG_B88v/
