Only one game in and already plenty has happened for the Lions . All 7 Irish players were selected to play for the Lions against Japan on Saturday - not sure why Gatland went down that road ( Furlong was originally selected on the bench , but later named to cover an injury to Ferguson ) .
Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric both picked up injuries in the match that ended their tour . It's a huge amount of experience to lose at the beginning of the tour , especially Jones who has been a tower house for Wales over the years . Andrew Porter had withdrawn a few weeks ago , so three players are already gone .
The good news for Ireland is that Conor Murray has now been appointed captain - an amazing turnaround for him when you consider how his form dipped so badly since mid 2018 with lots of people questioning him . This could well be the making of him , who knows . Gatland would not have chosen him if he didn't think he was ready .
Meanwhile Covid in South Africa is far from over with three positive tests in the South African squad . The tour marches on nonetheless .
It's a bit like the Olympics - everyone says that it shouldn't go ahead , but it's still going ahead .
Saturday's match was a good game for a number of the Irish players as well , all of which bodes well .
Two Welsh players have been called up to replace the in injured Jones and Tipuric ( Beard and Navidi ) . James Ryan was not considered due to a groin injury - he's better off two , take the Summer off and recover .
Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric both picked up injuries in the match that ended their tour . It's a huge amount of experience to lose at the beginning of the tour , especially Jones who has been a tower house for Wales over the years . Andrew Porter had withdrawn a few weeks ago , so three players are already gone .
The good news for Ireland is that Conor Murray has now been appointed captain - an amazing turnaround for him when you consider how his form dipped so badly since mid 2018 with lots of people questioning him . This could well be the making of him , who knows . Gatland would not have chosen him if he didn't think he was ready .
Meanwhile Covid in South Africa is far from over with three positive tests in the South African squad . The tour marches on nonetheless .
It's a bit like the Olympics - everyone says that it shouldn't go ahead , but it's still going ahead .
Saturday's match was a good game for a number of the Irish players as well , all of which bodes well .
Two Welsh players have been called up to replace the in injured Jones and Tipuric ( Beard and Navidi ) . James Ryan was not considered due to a groin injury - he's better off two , take the Summer off and recover .
