I Doubt That Gatland Will Be Giving Out Lions Wildcards

Optimism, hypocrisy and concern.

- Jeff Probyn

Three words that can be used to describe the game of rugby over the last week. Optimism, because all the players suggested by the media as possible Lions contenders despite not playing in the Six Nations are living in a dream world if they believe it’s true.

Warren Gatland has four international teams to pick from who have just competed in the biggest international competition outside the World Cup. Why then would he be tempted to pick players from what are club competitions? Despite protestations to the contrary, the standard of the club game is so far below international standard as to make comparisons laughable.

Add to which, the returning stars from the Six Nations would make a big difference to each team’s overall performance, helping other team members to shine, despite not quite being up to international level.

Gatland is no fool, he will be well aware of the difference the returning stars make, especially when combining with the many overseas internationals now plying their trade in our leagues.

It is those overseas players who have shown the hypocrisy of all the Unions that select them to play in their national teams, once having lived in a country for just three years.

The latest incarnation, Denny Solomona, is interesting because he served most of his qualifying period not playing Rugby Union.

Solomona joined Sale only in December so has been playing Union for just 15 weeks, yet there is a strong probability that he will be chosen for England’s summer tour to Argentina.