‘Electric’ winger gets his big Lions call-up as Scotland trio make short trip from New Zealand
Scotland trio make the short journey from New Zealand to join the British and Irish Lions
Scotland wing Darcy Graham is set to join the British and Irish Lions squad alongside two of his international teammates, as they provide cover ahead of the First Nations & Pasifika XV match next week.
While Graham is set to link up with the squad today, Scotland teammates Rory Sutherland and Ewan Ashman will make the short journey over from New Zealand on Sunday, after their match with Samoa.
Glasgow Warriors loosehead prop Sutherland has played for the Lions before, making six appearances, with two of them in Test matches. Edinburgh hooker Ewan Ashman, however, will be hoping to make his Lions debut, having only made his Scotland bow after the last tour to South Africa.
Graham finally gets his chance
Many believed that Graham was unfortunate not to have been a part of the Lions squad from the beginning, especially considering his electric form. The Edinburgh man’s try-scoring exploits for Scotland, 31 in 47 appearances, is beaten only by current tourist Duhan van der Merwe.
Fans have shown their enthusiasm for the arrival of the flying winger, with one saying: “Justice for Darcy! Wouldn’t be shocked if he sneaks a cap in the third test, given the anxiety about wingers being slow/tired and lacking X Factor.”
Another added: “Darcy Graham is an excellent pick-up for the Lions. If there are any injuries, they are set to go. Wish the Wallabies had the same forward thinking, but they ban most of their overseas players from the squad to protect tinpot part-time Super rugby.”
Some fans have criticised the timing of the call-up, however, with another summing up: “Too little, too late. Darcy should have been there all along, ahead of both Duhan and Lowe. Both of whom have been pretty crap all tour.”
Comparisons have, of course, flown between the infamous ‘Geography Six’ of 2017, when then-head coach Warren Gatland called up six players based on their convenient location to the tour.
But captain, Maro Itoje, remains confident that the three late arrivals will be able to make a positive difference.
Words from Maro Itoje
“The boss has called them in because he believes they will help the Lions to achieve their goal of winning a Test series,” said Lions captain Maro Itoje.
“All of the players that have been called in are quality players. They are players like everyone else in the team, have a high level of experience and have achieved things in their career.
“We are all in this together. It’s not us and them. It doesn’t matter if there’s a late call-up. We’ve seen in the past how late call-ups have had a huge impact on the tour in positive ways.
“I have no doubt that everyone who has been called up will play a significant role in helping the team achieve its goal.”
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