Skip to content

Mako Vunipola should start third British and Irish Lions Test, says Mark Cueto

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former British & Irish Lion Mark Cueto believes Mako Vunipola should retain his place in the side for the deciding Test against the All Blacks

Former England international Mark Cueto has "no doubt" British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland will keep faith with Mako Vunipola this weekend.

The Saracens prop endured a difficult outing last Saturday as he gave away a number of penalties and got sin-binned when he drove his shoulder into Beauden Barrett's head in the second half of the Lions' 24-21 victory.

That has led to calls for Ireland's Jack McGrath to be elevated into the starting XV for Saturday's series decider in Auckland but Cueto believes Vunipola deserves to retain the No 1 jersey.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of New Zealand against the British and Irish Lions in the second Test at Wellington

Cueto told Sky Sports News HQ: "I think we will see very few changes this weekend.

"For a team to go out there and beat the All Blacks in their own backyard...unless there is an injury I think you would be very hard done by to be dropped for this weekend.

Live British and Irish Lions Tour

"Vunipola's yellow, by the letter of the law, was probably a yellow. Off the back of what happened with Sonny Bill getting a red, he was always going to get yellow carded for that.

"But these are the sorts of things that happen in a rugby match. Player welfare is obviously key. We don't want reckless challenges going in but it is a physical game and when you are trying to clear a man off the ball, you can't do it perfectly every time.

Also See:

"But there is no doubt that Mako will be picked again this weekend."

Around Sky