Jason Robinson says Denny Solomona gamble could pay off for British and Irish Lions
Friday 7 April 2017 15:04, UK
Jason Robinson says Denny Solomona could give Warren Gatland's British and Irish Lions squad a boost even though selecting him would be a gamble.
Solomona made a similar move from rugby league into union and he has made an instant impact as a member of the Sale Sharks, scoring 11 tries in 11 games.
That has put the 23-year-old in contention for a first call into Eddie Jones' England squad for the June tour of Argentina but his international debut could be delayed by a Lions call-up for the trip to New Zealand.
And Robinson feels Solomona's "X-factor" could be worth consideration by Gatland, who may not have quite the depth at wing he does in other positions.
"Denny is definitely on the radar because winger is one of Gatland's headache positions," HSBC brand ambassador Robinson said.
"The fact Solomona has scored 11 tries in 11 games since December means he has to be considered. While you're scoring tries you'll always be on the radar.
"What's impressed me is that he's been consistent in scoring tries. Having scored 40 before he switched he's now carried that into union. Who else in world rugby has those sorts of stats? No one.
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"I knew very little about union when I came across but things went well and the move paid off, and I was able to add to the team.
"Solomona is a very good player and is not as raw as I was but he still has a lot to work on. He played union before, so has a lot more knowledge than I did.
"He'll get better with time but it's a case of whether he's ready for the Lions for what is the ultimate test, and whether they gamble on him or go for someone who might not be in form but has more experience of international rugby.
"It's one thing playing for your club but playing Test rugby and for the Lions is a step up.
"The wings haven't been playing particularly well. George North has hit some form now, but prior to the last couple of games of the Six Nations he wasn't in great form because of his problems with concussion and injury.
"Nobody is really screaming out. Elliot Daly has played well for England but I don't see him as a winger.
"I think they'll take North, Daly and Anthony Watson. There are lots of wingers around but none of them have been screaming for selection."
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