Gatland provides an update on Biggar and Jones
- 4629
British and Irish Lions head coach Gatland has issued a bit of an injury update on Dan Biggar and Wyn Jones after the first Test.
Wyn Jones was named in the starting lineup for the opening test against the Springboks but was a late withdrawal from the match with a shoulder problem. Rory Sutherland came into the matchday 23 with Mako Vunipola added to the bench. Meanwhile, flyhalf Dan Biggar failed a head injury assessment midway through the second half.
The Lions boss confirmed that Biggar is now touch-and-go for the second Test, having to go through World Rugby's strict return to play protocols to ensure he is fit enough to take the field.
"Dan got a knock and he has to go through the HIA protocols, he’s passed his first one.
"He’d be non-contact early in the week and wouldn’t take part in contact until Thursday if he’s selected.
As for Wyn Jones, Gotland explained that the loosehead got a bit of an infection in his shoulder.
"Wyn [Jones] has had a bit of a sore shoulder and he got a bit of an infection in his shoulder so has been on antibiotics. Hopefully he will recover from that. It was a massive blow from him, but Rory came on and did a good job.
"We have been really pleased with Mako. And I was really honest with him and just said: 'Mate, I didn't feel when you came into the squad that your fitness levels are as good as they should be for international rugby.'
"He agreed with me and we have changed a bit of his scrummaging technique and him coming off the bench any the moment - he has made a huge impact.
"He has scrummaged exceptionally well, carries great, is a great defamer and we will see what happened over the next few days.
"I really felt for Wyn missing out, but I wasn't in any way worried about Mako coming in and being a replacement off the bench."
The British and Irish Lions squad for the second test is scheduled to be named on Wednesday at 10am (BST)