Sunday 18 June 2017 10:01, UK
Warren Gatland is offering Sam Warburton no guarantees of a place in the British and Irish Lions' first Test and insists the captain remains under pressure to force his way into the line-up.
Wales flanker Warburton is fit but has been left out of the Lions' 23 for Tuesday's Chiefs clash in Hamilton, raising questions over whether the 28-year-old will take a place in the squad for next weekend's Test against New Zealand.
Warburton continues to chase full match fitness after suffering from ankle trouble and head coach Gatland has reiterated his admiration for the back-row unit of Peter O'Mahony, Sean O'Brien and Taulupe Faletau, who helped the Lions "squeeze the life" out of the Maori in Saturday's emphatic 32-10 triumph in Rotorua.
"There's no doubt that there's some pressure on certain players and certain combinations have gone well," said Gatland.
"A lot of those guys who played against the Crusaders did exceptionally well and, last night's performance against the Maori, we dominated territory and possession and we squeezed the life out them, an unbelievably talented backline that just went nowhere.
"For Sam, look, we were hoping he was going to be part of the 23 against the Crusaders. Unfortunately, he rolled his ankle a little bit so hadn't recovered in time.
"So he had time against the Highlanders and we were able to give him time last night.
"There will be some tough debates and discussions to have on the final make-up of what the back-row is going to be for Saturday."
Gatland claimed he never doubted that England fly-half Owen Farrell would be fit for the first Test, despite the England fly-half still battling a thigh issue.
"I was always confident about Owen Farrell being fit," said Gatland.
"I was never not confident."
Rory Best will captain the Lions on Tuesday, with six late tour call-ups featuring on the bench to ease the burden on Gatland's probable Test match squad.
Wales quartet Cory Hill, Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis made the short trip from Auckland to link up with the Lions and Scotland's Allan Dell and Finn Russell jetted in from Australia to provide cover, with Gatland playing down concerns over calling up new players in the middle of the New Zealand tour.
