"They Have Made Some Decisions Around Proximity" - Joe Schmidt On Lions Controversial Call-Ups
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt believes proximity is more important than form when it comes to call-ups to the British and Irish Lions squad during the tour.
Warren Gatland drafted in Welsh players Cory Hill, Tomas Francis, Gareth Davies and Kristian Dacey.
Scotland’s Finn Russell and his international team-mate Allan Dell were also brought in as cover for the remaining tour matches against provincial sides.
Gatland says they are there to provide cover for the Test group - who are unlikely to feature in the remaining tour matches before they face the All Blacks.
“It’s something I don’t have any control over,” Schmidt told the 42.ie in the wake of Ireland’s 50-22 win over Japan.
Schmidt believes the snub of some in-form Irish players is simply down to the fact that they are touring in Asia
“Selection for the Lions are their prerogative and they have made some decisions around proximity, geographical proximity.
“Some of our players are certainly enjoying the experience they are having here and they will stay focused but if they do get a late call up that would be fantastic for them as well.”
The Lions beat the Maori All Blacks 32-10 on Saturday morning. In the wake of the victory Gatland found himself defending the decision to draft four Welshman into the squad:
“I understand the concerns but as I’ve said it’s all about the Test series, it’s all about us doing that for the best opportunity for the first Test.”
“We did that in 2013 and if we hadn’t have done that then we could have easily lost the series. Does it devalue the shirt?
“You’re only a Lion when you get on the field and there’s a few of those players that were probably unlucky not to potentially be in contention in the first place.
“We’ve picked up a couple of injuries. In terms of devaluing the shirt, I can see some people’s point of view on that but we’re here to win a Test series.”
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