Hogg, Davies out of Highlanders game

Lions backs Stuart Hogg and Jonathan Davies will not be considered for Tuesday’s match with the Highlanders after failing HIAs.

Hogg shed plenty of blood after running into Conor Murray’s elbow, while Davies came off after half an hour after a big collision.

“Stuart Hogg has quite a nasty cut,” Gatland added.

“Both he and Jonathan Davies failed HIAs, so they will go through the six-day protocol.

“We need our wingers to get up in the air and compete more. They’re probably a bit nervous after what happened with Liam Williams last week. Murray’s kicking game was very good.

“It was a step up. It was a try-less game for both teams but we created a few chances and didn’t quite take the opportunities. But I’m really pleased, more with the result than the performance. We needed that.”

Gatland added that tour captain Sam Warburton is set to be involved next week against the Highlanders, having not played since the opening match against the Provincial Barbarians.

“A lot has been made about Sam not being involved,” Gatland said at his post-match press conference.

“We will probably give him a run on Tuesday. He needs some game time.

“It has been a tough week. There has been a lot of criticism: people had written the tour off after two matches.

“That has been challenging and we have had to stay tight within the group. I hope we haven’t disappointed too many people with that result tonight.”