
Football
Share
Published 12:13 11 Dec 2016 GMT
Explore more on these topics:
"He is scrummaging well, he is experienced. He has grown into that leadership role. There is a lot to admire about Rory Best," Gatland told the New Zealand Herald.What has impressed Gatland the most, however, is the level of progression which Best has shown over the last number of years, particularly since the Lions tour of Australia in 2013, where Best wasn't in the initial selection.
"There is no doubt Rory Best has done a really good job. He looks comfortable. We didn't take him initially in 2013 [to Australia] because we felt his line-out throwing was not good enough. He has obviously improved enormously."Rather ironically, it was a suspension given to Hartley that led to the Ulsterman's call-up.
As we saw in November, the All Blacks will try to use any means possible to gain an edge over their opponents, even if this borders on illegal levels of physicality.
Having someone like Hartley there could be a recipe for disaster.
Although he is a good player, and clearly a leader in some respect, he arguably does not have the temperament to lead this Lions team in the face of what will be close to an insurmountable challenge.
What is needed is someone who is calm, collected and who can lead this team through not only his words, but also his actions.
Rory Best is that man and it seems like Gatland is beginning to realise that too.
Diarmuid Connolly makes his long overdue GAA Hour debut and talks to Colm Parkinson about everything from the black card to his rivalry with Lee Keegan and how he honed the ability to kick accurately with either foot.
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – April 24th to 26th
Some huge clashes! The ultimate TV guide for live weekend sport in Ireland is back! It’s another huge week in the Premier League with Arsenal hosting Newcastle, there are a host of massive inter-county championship matches in both hurling and Gaelic football, and there is an intriguing Irish derby in the URC to look forward […]
Football
10h
Huge changes in store as Lions launch bid to tour new countries
This could be massive! The Lions could soon be adding a new country to their list of touring destinations, according to an exclusive report from The Telegraph. The iconic representative team – which combines the best players from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales – currently tour South Africa, Australia and New Zealand on a rotating […]
Football
15h
Football
Munster statement defends new coach over historical rape accusations
Football