For others – mainly the players taking part in the PRO14’s Rainbow Cup – there is less at stake which is why there is a balance to be had between playing and resting.
It was telling for me to read Dai Young’s and Toby Booth’s comments on Lions trio Josh Adams, captain Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric.
Young said he has had “sleepless nights” over Josh playing in recent games for Cardiff Blues, adding “he wouldn’t forgive himself” if the wing got injured and missed the tour. Booth, the head coach at my former side Ospreys, said Jones and Tipuric “needed saving from themselves” despite their wish to keep on playing.
All three of those Wales and Lions players were left out of their Rainbow Cup games this weekend and I think that’s sensible. I take my hat off to Dai and Toby for their approach. Dai has been a Lion so he understands the huge importance of the famous red shirt to a player.
There is no doubt the fear of injury will be something occupying every player in Warren Gatland’s 37-man party for South Africa right now. It is inevitable. It will be in the back of your mind that even something small like a little hamstring or calf tear could rule you out of taking on the Springboks. But of course, injuries can happen at any time.
Denne historien er fra June 06, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra June 06, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
