Warren Gatland knows what he likes.
The British and Irish Lions squad selection won’t be announced until April 19 and the head coach has admitted himself that everything could change during the Six Nations but he has still been impressed by a number of lads. A number of Irish lads.
The tour of New Zealand will comprise of 10 matches beginning in June and Gatland has had his head turned already.
In an interview with Sky Sports, he was fully aware of the dangers of dropping names and wanted to emphasise that this did not mean they had a seat on the plane.
“If I say someone, does that mean they’re already selected on Tour?” Gatland laughed. “There are a couple of players.”
First up, was two English backs, Owen Farrell and Jonathan Joseph.
On fire Scottish full back Stuart Hogg was next in line for praise from the man who will decide on all of these players’ fates come the summer. Then, Alun Wyn Jones was the object of affection, the Welshman tipped by some to captain the side on the Tour.
But it was the Irish who Gatland was raving about mostly.
Tadhg Furlong
Of course it was bloody Tadhg Furlong.
Do you know why? Because there is power. And then there’s Tadhg Furlong.
“I’ve been really impressed with Furlong. Tadhg Furlong,” Gatland said. “He’s done a great job and hopefully his form continues.”
Just freak power from Tadhg Furlong #SitDownLads #IREvNZL pic.twitter.com/lssi6Df8Cm
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) November 19, 2016
Robbie Henshaw
Because he fears no-one.
“[Robbie] Henshaw’s one that was really outstanding in Chicago before he picked up that knock against the All Blacks and went off early,” the Lions coach lauded.
Really, really outstanding.
https://twitter.com/feeneystephen/status/795029153384898560
Conor Murray
Because he’s arguably the best number nine in the world right now. That’s why.
WATCH:
With Johnny Sexton injured, Conor Murray steps-up and kicks Ireland 11-points ahead. #NZLvIRE https://t.co/te2rYj7HZU— eir Sport (@eirSport) November 5, 2016
“I was asked about names a few days ago and the hard thing about that, you give the names – someone like Conor Murray, you look at someone like the way he’s playing – but I know as soon as I mention some names, if I was playing against those players it gives me a huge amount of motivation to want to do better than them,” Gatland was still trying to be cautious.
“I don’t know if these are the players that I’ve selected but those are the players that have made an impression on me.”
Keep it going, lads. You’re almost there.
Watch the full interview here on Sky Sports.
