Bullets:
- Tommy Seymour sees Caelan Doris as the best frontrunner to lead the Lions in Australia.
- Seymour mentioned his close connection with head coach Andy Farrell as an argument.
- Maro Itoje is another contender for captaincy following his strong Six Nations campaign.
British & Irish Lions’ former winger, Tommy Seymour, has expressed his support for Caelan Doris to captain the rugby team’s upcoming tour in Australia.
The 36-year-old has cited the Ireland back row’s strong relationship with head coach Andy Farrell as a decisive factor.
Seymour: “That’s How Squads Are Made Up.”
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, Seymour emphasized how important familiarity and communication are when building a squad in a short period of time.
What I think it will come down to, if I’m a coach it’s so critical, from a messaging point of view, that you get that across as early as possible. There’s a finite amount of time you have from a preparation point of view and bringing a squad together. That’s how squads are made up, in terms of personalities and who is going to gel the best.
Why Doris Has the Edge Over Itoje
While England lock Maro Itoje has been widely tipped as another strong contender, Seymour believes Doris’ leadership with Leinster and his close working history with Farrell could give him the edge.
He [Farrell] will be thinking, ‘what does my captain know about me to tell other players how I like to see things and how I like to do things?’ That’s where I feel that Doris has the edge.
That said, Seymour acknowledged how impressive Itoje’s resurgence has been.
Prior to the Six Nations, I think Maro Itoje was fighting for a starting spot. It’s a testament to how he has played that we’re no longer talking about him being a potential star but for the captaincy.
The Lions squad and captain will be announced on 8 May, ahead of a seven-week tour that features three Tests against Joe Schmidt’s Australia on July 19, July 26, and August 2.
As for the fly-half debate, former Ulster 10 Ian Humphreys suggested that Fin Smith, Sam Prendergast, and Finn Russell might edge out Marcus Smith.
Marcus Smith could miss out because he didn’t play there much in the Six Nations. I think it will be Fin Smith, Prendergast, and Russell.
Seymour, however, isn’t ruling Marcus out.
Marcus Smith’s ability to play 15 as well might provide him with a little bit of a leverage on Fin Smith.
Owen Farrell is another potential wildcard. While he hasn’t played Test rugby since the World Cup, if he can find his form at Racing 92, he could easily sneak into contention.
It’s not beyond the realms of possibility.
Who will be the new British & Lions captain? How will they get on down under? Get the best odds from Top Offshore Bookmakers selected for bettor in the UK.