Warren Gatland is keeping the lads on their toes.
Sean O’Brien has had one hell of a Lions tour, so far, but the real grind starts from Saturday.
The Leinster and Ireland flanker has played himself into the Test openside position after two rip-roaring performances against Crusaders and Maori All All Blacks.
He has got into multiple faces, won plenty of turnover ball, slowed down countless Kiwi ruck ball, made a heap of heaving carries and got into more than a few scrapes.
O’Brien would have been forgiven for banking on himself wearing that No.7 jersey come the First Test but that’s not the case.
‘The Tullow Tank’ met up with old Ireland teammate Stephen Ferris in Auckland on Wednesday – the day before Gatland announced his matchday squad. The Ulsterman found he was not certain of many of Gatland’s big calls. Ferris told The Hard Yards rugby podcast:
“I met Seanie for lunch in Auckland and we went for a spot of lunch. He said to me, with Warren Gatland you just don’t know what he’s going to throw at you.
“Seanie was a wee bit apprehensive of his position. He just didn’t know if he was going to be selected.
“Everybody was kept on their toes. Seanie came across to me as if Gatland was going to throw in a couple of curve balls. Then the team is announced and, lo and behold, those curve balls are in there.”
“Who would you want to have in your team?” Ferris asked, “Sam Warburton or Sean O’Brien? I’d go with Sean O’Brien every time.”
The call has been made and excitement is building.
In studio with @andymcgeady @theTOKpirate and @KMcLaughlin6 for the latest episode of #TheHardYards
Chatting to @StephenFerris6 in NZ too 🎧 pic.twitter.com/zxCzCtKobH— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) June 22, 2017
This week on the show, the focus is on the Test Series but the panel also discuss Ireland’s end of season tour, Rassie Erasmus’ being linked with a Munster exit and get all the latest odds from Hayley O’Connor of Ladbrokes.
