Robin McBryde hails 'proud moment' as Wales quartet receive Lions call

17 June 2017 09:39

Wales interim head coach Robin McBryde says it is a "proud moment" for his squad after four of their players were called up by the British and Irish Lions.

Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies, Cory Hill and Tomas Francis have all been summoned by Lions head coach Warren Gatland ahead of their Test series with the All Blacks.

The move has proved controversial, with Gatland accused of devaluing the famous Lions jersey by adding players to his squad based more on geographical proximity than playing ability.

Dacey, Davies, Hill and Francis all started Wales' 24-6 victory over Tonga at Eden Park on Friday, but headed to Rotorua on Saturday to watch the Lions in action against the Maori All Blacks.

McBryde is delighted to see the quartet get a chance to impress at the highest level.

"We've said from the outset that we're here to support the British and Irish Lions should they need it and we're pleased to be able to do so now that four of our players have received call-ups," he said.

"Kristian, Gareth, Cory and Tomas are great professionals who have made a very positive contribution to Wales' tour so far, not least in Friday night's game at Eden Park. This is a proud moment for them and the whole Wales squad wishes them the best of luck."

After beginning their two-Test summer tour of the Pacific Islands with a deserved win over Tonga, Wales will face Samoa in Apia looking to make it back-to-back victories.

They will have to do so without Dacey, Davies, Hill and Francis who have joined the 11 Welshmen already with the Lions after Ross Moriarty left the tour due to a back injury.

Wales fielded nine uncapped players against Tonga and their squad to face Samoa will again have a youthful look but McBryde has opted against calling up new faces.

He said: "I think we're three deep where we need to be, especially in the front row and at scrum-half. Those are the specialist positions. We've got enough versatility in the back five and behind the scrum to deal with the call-ups."

Wales scored tries in each half to down Tonga with Alex Cuthbert's effort followed by a penalty score in the final minute. Cuthbert was replaced at the break after suffering a shoulder injury and will have a scan to determine whether he will be fit to face Samoa.

McBryde's captain Jamie Roberts believes Wales can cope after seeing their squad depleted.

"We have a big squad. Some players missed out against Tonga and now others will get an opportunity," said the powerful centre.

"We have to develop our strength in depth across the senior playing group in Wales. We're doing that well at the moment with the young players in this squad and we have the artillery to come in."

Source: PA