The key to a successful Lions tour is that all involved row in behind whoever the nominated leader is on a given week or day. So it has come to pass Paul O'Connell will lead the Lions this Saturday in the tour opener against the Barbarians instead of the stricken Sam Warburton, and all involved will willingly row in behind the tour captain of four years ago.
Ideally Warren Gatland would have wanted Warburton to lead out the Lions against the Barbarians this Saturday but failing that O'Connell, or Brian O'Driscoll, are natural stand-ins. Indeed, Warburton's medial ligament injury has required an injection and an eight-day rest, which also casts a doubt over his place in the team to play the Western Force next Wednesday, in which case O'Driscoll would be a prime candidate to lead the side.
“It was pretty easy for me,” said Gatland regarding his choice of captain for the tour opener. “It wasn’t difficult. He’s been great the last few weeks around the squad and it was a bit of a blessing for me Munster got knocked out so we could bring that experience into the team. He’s done a great job supporting Sam and giving us some general leadership.”
“I’m delighted, it’s a very exciting occasion,” said O’Connell. “We’ve had a few great weeks and it’s gone up another level since the Leicester boys and the Leinster boys came in, so I’m thrilled. I’m disappointed, obviously, for Sam. He’s run a great ship for the last few weeks and I’m sure he’s disappointed not to lead the boys out for the first game. But for me, I’m thrilled and I’m really looking forward to it.”
But with his selection as captain comes an increased need to ensure a winning start. “It’s a big privilege,” said O’Connell. “You can even see it in the squad. I suppose we had Andy Powell and Donncha O’Callaghan and these guys on the last tour to break the ice a little bit and those characters aren’t here this time round. I roomed with Warby in the first week and we were chatting about what it was going to be like, but players have just completely dived into the whole thing and we’re very tight already.
“There’s a big buzz and excitement about making this tour very special. I suppose there’s a few of us that’s been on a few of them before and haven’t been successful and it’s not the greatest feeling ever. So there’s just incredible excitement amongst the players to become a team as quick as we can and try to be a success with the Lions.”
Bonding
One of the least heralded aspects of the tour four years ago was the increased bond between the Irish and Welsh players, which not only undid many of the rivalries at provincial and regional level, but prompted a player such as Martyn Williams to hail O'Connell as the best captain he had ever played under. Yesterday, Adam Jones gave sustenance to Williams' viewpoint.
“He’s fantastic, not just a fantastic player,” enthused Jones. “Paulie is an all round competitor. He’s different to Sam. Sam’s a bit quieter. Paulie’s a bit more involved in the changing room than Sam. He’s more vocal and wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s been captain of the lions before and is a leader for us.”
Reflecting on O’Connell’s leadership qualities four years ago in South Africa, Jones added: “Yeah, I enjoyed last time under Paulie. And meeting some of the lads again it’s been great; great players on the pitch and nice blokes off it.”
