Former All Black Backs Irishman Over Sam Warburton To Lead The Lions This Summer

Former All Blacks scrumhalf Justin Marshall thinks Sam Warburton is the wrong man to lead the Lions thus summer.

Marshall believes Warburton is not assured of his spot in the Test XV and believes Ireland captain Rory Best should be the man to lead the Lions in New Zealand this summer.

Warburton is the bookies clear favourite but Marshall thinks naming him captain would be a big mistake and that Best would “relish the challenge.”

Writing in the New Zealand Herald, Marshall, said:

“One of the most important decisions Warren Gatland has before naming his squad on April 19 is his selection of captain; to have a man who sets the culture, brings the team together and is an approachable person who everyone can relate to.
“He also has to be first choice in his position and I can’t think of anyone better than Irish hooker Rory Best.
“The talk is that Sam Warburton is one of the front runners but he will have enough challenges just making the Test team.
“He has also relinquished the captaincy of Wales and looks better for it.
Dylan Hartley is another one but, for me, there’s just too much controversy that comes with him.
“Ireland have had a hell of a season under Best. They beat the All Blacks for the first time ever, stopped England’s winning run and in my mind that points to a good captain the players like and respect.
“He’s a great hooker as well. At the basics of scrums and lineouts, he’s probably the best in the world.
“Best doesn’t seem to get flustered and there will be pressure on the Lions throughout the tour, referees, adversity and different conditions.
“That coolness is what you need on a tour here. Beating the All Blacks in New Zealand is the hardest thing to do in rugby, in my opinion, and Best will relish the challenge.”

[interaction id=”58e1400447afc37b3b04629e”]

Facebook
Twitter
Follow Me
Instagram