
Rugby
Share
Published 16:26 12 Apr 2017 BST
Explore more on these topics:
He would still have plenty of time to get up to speed before the first Test match against the All Blacks on June 24.
However, his durability is a concern and you cannot blame Gatland for taking this into consideration, especially when you review Warburton's history of injuries.
https://twitter.com/5liveSport/status/851863197841862656
The list makes for scary reading when you look at the variety of the injuries - ankle, knee, hamstring, finger, shoulder, neck and cheekbone.
Of course, Warburton isn't on his own in this regard, the increasingly physically demanding nature of modern rugby union means that more and more players have injury records such as this.
That's a debate for another day, however.
What Gatland must decide now is whether he should run the risk of naming a player who is prone to injury as the captain of the Lions.
This may not sway the Kiwi, though.
There will likely be a strong leadership group in the squad so other players can step in when needed.
Like when Alun Wyn Jones captained the Lions in the third Test against Australia in 2013 because of an injury to Warburton.
With that in mind, it would definitely be a shock if anyone but the 28-year-old is named as captain on Wednesday.Ireland player ratings after a dour win over Japan
Not the most entertaining of games… Ireland have beaten Japan in Australia by 36-20. There were very few positive performances, as long-standing issues continued to lift their head. Worrying times ahead of New Zealand next week. Tom O’Toole – 5.5 The scrum continues to be a huge cause of concern for Ireland, which is particularly […]
Rugby
1 day ago
Ireland player ratings as they take the Wallabies down in epic test match
What a contest! Ireland have beaten Australia by 33-31, after being behind for the majority of the game. It was a rusty performance with a lot of errors, but they dug deep. Tom O’Toole – 6 Scrum was solid, but that’s not saying much against the Aussies. Didn’t show his Six Nations form, but a […]
Rugby
1 week ago
Rugby
Fan footage shows real culprit of Leinster vs Stormers tunnel brawl
Rugby