The Curious Case of Josh Adams

Okay, so maybe the title is a little bit misleading, but there’s been a few selections for the first two Lions tests that have confused fans; the main one being Josh Adams. So let’s start there.

Josh Adams started the first three games of the tour, making four appearance and having scored 8 tries in those 4 games. His tackle success and gain line success both hover around 70% showing great skill in both defence and attack. Yet against the Springboks, he isn’t even on the bench. For such a sensational start to the tour, for Gatland and Co. not to pick him there must be good reason. The only good reason I can think of is gameplan. It’s hard to pin down, knowing Adams’ record so far but there’s something the coaches see in Duhan VDM and Anthony Watson that just pips him to the team sheet. From what I can see, it seems Gatland has opted for size over pace. Now, don’t get me wrong I know VDM and Watson have pace but they’re both on the bulkier side for a winger. Put VDM beside Louis Rees Zamit and it’ll look like a giant has invaded the pitch. It makes sense when you look at the case of Zamit as well. Incredible form in the Six Nations scoring four tries and undoubtedly critical to Wales’ success in the tournament. But it seems selection has hinged on size.

Another name that has caused a stir is Liam Williams being dropped out of the 23 for the second test. But I think I see the logic. Whilst Williams is an incredibly strong fullback, Daly is a bit of a utility player. Anywhere in the back three plus some. When it comes to having positions covered it makes sense to have Daly on the bench purely for his rugby flexibility. Even beyond that, having him on the bench to come on late in the game could be pivotal to a win. Daly’s notoriously long-range kick, which we saw a glimpse of in the first test, could absolutely change the course of a close match. So while I understand the confusion, Daly is the choice for the bench. I know, also, that I’m framing this as a Williams v Daly fight for a spot when realistically Williams is competing with Hogg for a place in the 15. Yet, for me it’s hard to fight Williams’ case when you have someone so experienced and in such strong form such as Hogg.

Lastly, I’d like you just to indulge me as I talk about the Ulster talisman, Iain Henderson. I know that realistically Henderson is competing for an incredibly tough spot with the likes of Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje to contend with which does make it tough to argue… I think I might still argue. In my humble little Ulster mind, I really feel Henderson at least deserves a place on the bench. Alun Wyn Jones may be an android/terminator type character, but he is still just after recovering from a serious injury. There should be cover in case it’s needed and to not have Henderson on hand would be a shame. Henderson learned from the best at both Ulster and Ireland from Rory Best, so his leadership would be invaluable. Not to mention every now and then Henderson likes to open up the “Sit-down Emporium” and I, for one, would love to see him put a Springbok in their place.