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Laidlaw relishing Lions chance despite tragic circumstances
Greig Laidlaw is grateful for the opportunity to represent the British and Irish Lions, even though his call-up has come about through sad circumstances.
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The Scotland scrum-half was not included in Warren Gatland’s original 41-man squad, but was called up on Saturday as a replacement for Ben Youngs, who opted to withdraw after learning that the wife of his brother Tom had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Laidlaw’s call added to an already busy schedule for the Gloucester man, who is preparing for Friday’s European Challenge Cup final against Stade Francais before he moves to France to play for Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 next season.
“Everybody’s thoughts are with Tom and Ben and their family but it is a great opportunity for myself,” Laidlaw said at Monday’s player admin day.
“Once training starts I want to get involved and put my imprint on the squad. It’s a quick turnaround. I’ve got a few things on, I’m moving clubs and moving house. It’s a busy time but there you are.
“A week is a long time in sport. Off the back of defeat for Gloucester at the weekend I got a call Saturday night about this and was very excited. It’s been very busy, a lot of things to be done but it’s been good to meet the boys and everybody else.
“Because it’s happened so quickly this hasn’t sunk in yet. I’ve a few games left for Gloucester including trying to win some silverware on Friday night so there’s that to think about too.”
The newest addition to the 2017 Lions Tour. Welcome to the squad Greig #AllForOne #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/L1XjN4LT3O
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) May 8, 2017
Gatland, meanwhile, said Laidlaw may have been included in the initial party in any event, had he not sustained an ankle injury during Scotland’s Six Nations campaign.
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“[The conversation with Youngs was] very tough. The most important thing for me is that he puts his family first,” Gatland said.
“Having spoken to Ben we were comfortable to call in Greig Laidlaw. He is someone we discussed, the fact he was injured in the Six Nations was why he wasn’t in original squad.
“It’s not ideal circumstances but it’s a good opportunity for him. We are very aware of that, it’s a sensitive situation but he has experience and also leadership experience and I’m sure he’ll do well.”
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Comments on RugbyPass
Good decision, very good player but not international quality. But so was Jamison Gibson Park …..
3 Go to commentsLoose forwards always look good going forward and winning. It’s the same loose forwards for the Crusaders and the Canes this year as last year. Too much of the shiny new things getting noticed here while older consistent ones getting bagged. It’s early days. Calm the farm.
5 Go to commentsThanks Nick, and on the money. We tend to be apathetic until something REALLY BAD happens, then we aren't! At least this applies to the Reb players and coach, if not the spectators. They seem to be getting very quick ball at times. Have they altered something, or is it just all of the skills coming together at the right time? It seems almost the opposite of the Reds, who started the season with quick ball, but haven't been showing that in the last 3 losing games. Is it attitude (McDermott hasn't looked “right” to me for 3 weeks), or something else?
29 Go to commentsGood summary. As said, Sevu Reece has been electrifying for the Crusaders. Great try and he has been everywhere. Amazing he is now equal with Caleb Ralph , club record of 52 tries for the Crusaders. That record beckons. Good to see Dallas McLeod getting regular starts at last. A big few weeks are ahead.
5 Go to commentsGood article/interview.As was said Christian Lio-Willie was barnstorming when he came on for the Crusaders. What happened at the end, self-explanatory.Captain fantastic Scott Barrett is due back soon as well, once they are back from Aussie. Great to see Ethan Blackadder back last week.
1 Go to commentsYou must have been watching one team, Andrew - and even then you missed the brightest star in the Chiefs pack - Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 2 turnovers, genuine line-out presence and grunt around the field, and the soft hands of a back.
5 Go to commentsHaha what a crock of sh!t these headlines are. Moorby’s best year was that first. Still doesn’t seem to have the same game about him as when he was fresh but has bounced back well this season to be playing consistent tight accurate footy
3 Go to commentsIt’s even dumber than Bernard Foley not kicking the penalty to touch in the Melbourne Bledisloe in 2022.
3 Go to commentsYes, they are traveling well but it’s early days. The Chiefs were in front with 20 to go while they snatched a last minute win v the Reds. Keep calm.
1 Go to commentsThe failure of the Irish system / rugby playing style to produce their own backs has them looking elsewhere for innovation and flair - not that Jordie has much flair. He’s a converted fullback. The Canes have plenty of other younger options.
9 Go to comments1.Watch Wallace Sititi be the wild card AB. A genuine full time no 8 2. Luke J like Sotutu has not delivered. 3. Chiefs have all the right cattle but badly miss the leadership of Webber. LJ is about as unconvincing as Sam Cane when under the pump. They had the winning of that game in the second half then fell apart.
5 Go to commentsYes the Rebels are showing signs of life because they are literally playing for their live -lihoods and thanks to their Australian attack coach. However they are still playing an essentially dull boring south african style for the rest of the time. And Geoff Parling must be the most useless lineout coach ever. Worse than Steve Hansen even. Interestingly we are starting to see more cheap shots and attempts to get away with cheating by Australian players, now they are being influenced by Joe Schmidt. It was exactly the same when Rennie started out as Wallaby coach and thru his tenure. Trying to teach Australians to play like kiwis doesn’t work, as the last 20 years has conclusively demonstrated. Especially when we are not as good at it as kiwis. Which of course is the whole idea …..
29 Go to commentsGreat signing, not sure where he’ll fit in though. As for him ‘playing alongside RG Snyman, that’s highly debatable given the likelyhood that the latter will spend most of the season on sick leave.
9 Go to commentsWowee!
9 Go to commentsEvery team that has played a game in Africa this Champions Cup season is already out of the competition - including the SA teams. Could be a concidence.
30 Go to commentsthat should offer some experiences for Jordie.
9 Go to commentsJust remember: He is not a winger. Took Ian Foster 2 years to figure that out.
9 Go to commentsExcellent article, Nick. We (your RP colleague Brett McKay and my 8/9 Combo cohost), are going to have LSL on our podcast later this month. He has shown consistent excellence as a leader and lock. I’ll chat with you offline about a line of questioning if you have time. H
29 Go to commentsSo no Irish fan or journalist suggested JGP was as good as DuPont. Then even the guy who supposedly did is from Wales and said JGP would be the best around if it was t for DuPont. Right, so what is this story about again
19 Go to commentsGreat news for the URC. Leinster will always attract top talent. Another huge name added to their stable
9 Go to comments