Gatland's captaincy gamble

British & Irish Lions Head Coach, Warren Gatland, acted swiftly in the wake of Alun Wyn Jones’ tour-ending injury and named Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray as his new captain when the men in red launch an assault on South Africa. 

The development raised many an eyebrow as Murray’s CV when it comes to captaincy is distinctively stark – having never led Ireland or even his provincial club, Munster.  

As Jones walked off Murrayfield yesterday with a knowing and bitter expression on his face, various names immediately began to be touted. One such name was Justin Tipuric, who, unfortunately, is also now a real injury concern. However, men who were strongly in the running before Jones was officially announced as captain have once again been overlooked, such as Farrell, Itoje, Ken Owens and Stuart Hogg. 

What this suggests is that, based on what Gatland has seen of Murray so far in the Lions training camp, the former is convinced that the latter is an effective and stable leader who harbours the grit, knowledge and courage to take on this weighty task. 

This is not the first time that Gatland has made what one might refer to as a ‘leftfield call’ when it comes to the Lions captaincy, as he rolled the dice in 2013 by handing 22 year-old Sam Warburton the coveted armband, even with experienced campaigners such as Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell in the mix. That decision bore fruit as the Lions returned home from Australia with a series victory in the bag and, four years later, managed to draw their series with the mighty All Blacks, again with Warburton at the helm.  

Murray currently has over 150 appearances for Munster as well as 89 for Ireland and, notably, is a Lions veteran of two Lions tours. Thus, he and Gatland have walked a long road together. 

“Conor is an outstanding rugby player and is held in the highest regard with both the players and coaches,” Gatland said. 

“As a three-time Lions tourist, he knows what will be required as captain, and I am certain he will lead the squad with excellence. He will also be well-supported by an experienced leadership group.” 

The appointment also suggests that Murray is indeed Gatland’s first-choice scrumhalf.  

When all is said and done, this has been an interesting development, the progress of which will be keenly observed by all involved. Although Murray never seemed to be a candidate to lead the tour until now, the wily old Gatland has clearly seen something special in the scrumhalf which, he believes, will aid the Lions’ cause as they embark on what is sure to be a tour which will test them brutally.