The Latest On Dan Biggar, Ross Moriarty, Jared Payne & Sam Warburton’s Lions Fitness

Captain Sam Warburton is in danger of proving his match fitness ahead of the Lions first Test against the All Blacks on June 24.

The Wales back-row has a disastrous injury record, missing the final few games of the season before returning for the Lions against the Provincial Barbarians. The skipper has now picked up an ankle problem that rules him out of Saturday’s game agains the Crusaders.

Gatland says Warburton only needs a few more days to recover, but with games coming thick and fast, his match-fitness for the Test games will no doubt start to worry Gatland.

Fellow Welshman Dan Biggar was substituted early against the Blues with a head injury and is being rested due to protocol.

“The medics think he’ll be fine during the week and should be OK” Gatland said of Biggar.
“Dan Biggar has a six-day turnaround, that’s the protocol, so he’s not available, Ross Moriarty has had a back spasm, but he’s recovering well.
“Sam Warburton had a bit of slight ankle strain after the first game, he just needs a few more days.”

Jared Payne came off with the same calf problem that caused him to withdraw from the Provincial Barbarians matchday squad but should be ok.

“Jared’s had that calf (problem) for a while, so the pleasing thing is he’s got through 50 to 60 minutes,” said the Lions coach.

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