Reports from the Lions camp today are suggesting that Paul O’Connell could be ruled out of the final two Tests with Australia with a broken bone in his hand.
The loss of the Munster lock would be a huge blow to Warren Gatland and while it hasn’t been officially confirmed, it appears that the Lions may have to soldier on without their inspirational leader. He has gone from being ruled out to “being assessed” rather quickly on Twitter and we will have to watch this space for further developments.
POC injury news: Looks like he is going to stay on tour for now and continue to be assessed. Fingers crossed for a miracle. #Lions2013
— British&Irish Lions (@Lions2013) June 23, 2013
The news is expected to be balanced out by the loss of James Horwill in the Wallabies camp after being cited for a stamp on Alun-Wyn Jones during the game at the Suncorp Stadium yesterday.
Warren Gatland was unhappy with the incident involving Horwill and felt a citing was warranted.
“I played in the days where rucking was allowed and I still bear some scars from some decent ruckings I’ve had.
“The head to me was sacrosanct… you stay away from that. It’s up to (the judicial officer) for a decision to be made.”
UPDATE: Horwill has been found ‘not guilty’ of stamping and has been cleared to play in next weekend’s Test. It was deemed he was off-balance and did not realise Jones was located where he was.
Tom to hold Court in Melbourne
Meanwhile Tom Court has been called up to the squad for the game against the Melbourne Rebels on Tuesday as injury cover for Alex Corbisiero. The Irish prop is currently in Melbourne and will go straight onto the bench for the game.
Four Irish players have been named in the starting side while Manu Tuilagi returns from injury.
Rob Kearney, Simon Zebo, Conor Murray and Sean O’Brien get a final chance to impress with Rory Best selected on the substitutes bench.
English centre Tuilagi returns to midfield to partner Brad Barritt after his injury ;ay-off while Tommy Bowe has been declared fit for the second Test next weekend.
“We’ve kept saying all along that there’s still a chance for performances to really catch the eye and Tuesday night is another chance to go out and impress,” Gatland told the media.
“We were disappointed with the Brumbies result, I think it was a gentle reminder of certain things we needed to remember for the test match.”
Lions: Rob Kearney, Sean Maitland, Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt, Simon Zebo, Owen Farrell, Conor Murray, Toby Faletau, Sean O’Brien, Dan Lydiate, Geoff Parling (c), Richie Gray, Dan Cole, Richard Hibbard, Ryan Grant.
Replacements: Rory Best, Tom Court, Matt Stevens, Ian Evans, Justin Tipuric, Ben Youngs, Billy Twelvetrees, Stuart Hogg.
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