British and Irish Lions: 'Murrayfield motivation' in Gatland's selection
- Published
Duhan van der Merwe, Rory Sutherland, Hamish Watson and Zander Fagerson were all initially named in the Lions XV
British and Irish Lions v Japan |
|---|
Date: Saturday 26 June Kick-off: 15:00 BST Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh |
Coverage: Live text commentary on 大象传媒 Sport website and app |
Warren Gatland says Murrayfield was a "motivation" for selecting Scottish players for the British and Irish Lions' meeting with Japan on Saturday.
Duhan van der Merwe, Rory Sutherland, Zander Fagerson and Hamish Watson were all picked, but the latter has since been ruled out with a concussion.
It is the Lions' start to their build-up to touring South Africa.
"It's important they get a chance to play in front of their home fans and family," said head coach Gatland.
"It was a bit of a motivation in terms of having that Scottish representation. It's a great chance for those Scottish players."
Fagerson's Glasgow Warriors team-mate Ali Price may also make his first Lions appearance as a replacement, while Gatland is relaxed about Sutherland's lack of game time following a recent injury.
"We kept a close eye on Rory's shoulder," said the New Zealander. "He loves being in the gym and we know how powerful and strong he is.
"We're not too worried about his fitness. If he's lacking a little bit of game time then we've got Wyn Jones to come off the bench.
"We were impressed with the way the Scottish scrum operated during the Six Nations. Rory's incredibly explosive and powerful."