GARRYOWEN RFC, Munster and Ireland Scrum-Half Conor Murray has been named as captain for the 2021 Lions tour in South Africa after Alun Why Jones was ruled out of the series with injury.
Murray, who currently has 89 Irish caps, yet none as captain, has been bestowed what is arguably the greatest individual honour in professional rugby.
The coronation comes as a bitter-sweet achievement as he takes the place of Welsh rugby icon Alun Wyn Jones, who was ruled out of the tour with a dislocated shoulder which he suffered in the Lions warm up test win over Japan at Murrayfield.
The Lions squad for the 2021 tour had their first run out on Saturday against the Japanese as a form of warm up game before they embark on their journey to South Africa.
This will be Murray’s third tour with the Lions and his first as captain, yet Murray was chosen to lead the squad over other candidates such as Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell, who were both touted to be selected as captain before the touring squad was announced.
The 28-10 win against Japan left the squad in a very different shape, not only because of the two short notice changes to the starting line up before the game in the form of Zander Fagerson and Hamish Watson, but to the two substantial injuries sustained by the instrumental Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric.
Thankfully, the injuries of Fagerson and Watson are manageable and they will be available to continue with the tour. However, the shoulder injuries of both Jones and Tipuric brings their tour to and end, with their fellow countrymen Josh Navidi and Adam Beard called up to replace.
Despite the disappointment of injuries, there were many positives from the Lions first outing in Murrayfield. Munster and Ireland forward Tadhg Bernie scored a phenomenal try while on debut for the Lions as he once again put his skills to the test at one of rugby’s highest levels.
The back-row racked up a hefty 52 meters gained in just five carries, won one turnover and even earned 70 meters for his side with a skilful kick for touch. Bernie will undoubtedly be at the front of head coach Warren Gatland’s mind as he looks to their first test match against the Springboks.
Other outstanding performances from Jack Conan and Robbie Henshaw were also hard to ignore. Like Bernie, Conan was irreplaceable as he played the game’s full 80 minutes, winning three turnovers and carried for 46 meters. Henshaw, who also played the full game, put in a stelar midfield performance, making a prodigious 13 tackles and scoring one try.
The Lions will play their first game of the tour against South African club side The Emirates Lions on July 3rd at 5pm. However, the first test match against the current World Cup champions won’t take place until July 14th at 7pm.
The post WATCH: Conor Murray named as Captain for the 2021 Lions Tour after eventful Japan test appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
