Gatland injury scare as Lions pair forced to miss training

Sexton and Farrell add to coach's woes
PA
Chris Hewett10 June 2013

Lions coach Warren Gatland was today given a double injury scare ahead of the First Test against Australia after both No10s in his squad missed training.

Jonathan Sexton was ruled out with a tight hamstring sustained during the 22-12 victory over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane last Saturday, while Farrell complained of a dead leg.

Irishman Sexton is expected to return to training within 48 hours but, with the opening Test only 12 days away, Gatland could now come to regret his decision to pick just two specialist No10s for his touring party. He has already lost Tommy Bowe, Cian Healy and Gethin Jenkins to tour-ending injuries.

Lions assistant coach Andy Farrell tried to calm nerves in the squad as he insisted both No10s would be fit for selection for Saturday’s game with the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.

“It’s in the nature of the game of rugby that people get little bumps and tweaks,” said Farrell, Owen’s father.

“Both Jonny and Owen are fine, though. We’re taking all the right precautions but there’s no issue with either of them.”

The were sidelined this morning as the Lions took their first look at the Hunter Stadium, venue for tomorrow’s meeting with a Combined New South Wales/Queensland Country XV — a match everyone assumes will end in a landslide victory for the tourists

Sexton had a scan on his hamstring following the win on Saturday and it showed no sign of a strain or tear.

There was some good news on the casualty front for Gatland today. Irish full-back Rob Kearney, the only one of the 37 players yet to feature on this tour, has accelerated his recovery after hamstring trouble and took part in training. Farrell believes Kearney will be in contention for a place against the Waratahs.

Tomorrow’s game may have the look of a mismatch about it — the Lions’ opponents are a mix of amateur players and fringe Super 15 professionals who have spent next to no time together — but it is vital for those players who have yet to hit their standards on tour. One of them is Ian Evans, the Welsh lock who enjoyed an outstanding Six Nations Championship.

“Any chance you get in a Lions shirt is a big chance,” said the Ospreys star, who faces stiff competition for a Test place from first-time tourists Geoff Parling and Richie Gray, as well as a pair of seasoned Lions in Paul O’Connell and Alun Wyn Jones, his regular partner at both club and international level.

“I have to go out there fully armed and take my shot.”

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