Options for Gatland if AWJ misses series

June 26, 2021
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Ultimate Rugby

Warren Gatland may lose a vital player before the tour even starts after Alun Wyn Jones is helped off the field with what initially looked like a wrist injury but is suspected to be a shoulder dislocation. Should he been injured and miss the tour Warren Gatland will need to replace his captain and bring in another lock.

Captain:

Maro Itoje is the front runner to be tour captain and many thought he would have been appointed instead of Alun Wyn Jones initially. He is a natural leader and also very likely to feature as a start in all the tests.

Ken Owens took the captaincy against Japan after the Alun Wyn Jones injury and could be an outside bet to captain the side in South Africa but it is unlikely he will be the first choice hooker in the republic.

Owen Farrell has captained England and will almost surely be a starter in the tests against the Springboks

Locks:

James Ryan was extremely unlucky to miss out on a Lions call up and would not be out of place in the squad and could slot straight into a starting role for the tests.

Jonny Gray is another option for Gatland. The Scot has an incredible work rate and tackle count.