Monday 5 September 2016 16:08, UK
Will Greenwood believes Wales coach Warren Gatland is the ideal man to lead the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand next year.
Gatland, who was in charge of the Lions' last tour of Australia in 2013, following a stint as assistant coach to Ian McGeechan in South Africa four years earlier, is expected to be rubber-stamped in the role on Wednesday.
The announcement will be made on Wednesday, September 7, at the headquarters of Lions' main sponsor, Standard Life Investments, in Edinburgh.
And Sky Sports rugby union pundit Greenwood is convinced the 52-year-old's knowledge of the game in New Zealand will hand the Lions an advantage 'in the toughest sporting environment on the planet'.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, the England World Cup winner said: "The argument with New Zealand is 'are they the greatest sporting franchise of the last 100 years?'
"They are so good at rebuilding, evolving and creating new sides... so this challenge is huge and I think Warren deserves this opportunity. He has the courage of his convictions and knows everything there is to know about New Zealand rugby.
"Critics may say he does not have a great record against the southern hemisphere but I suspect on the back of his previous two performances, and with the Lions looking to have as much stability as possible, to have someone of his experience at the helm will be crucial if they are to have any chance in the toughest place on the planet to play rugby."
Asked if Gatland was the only name in the frame for the post next year, Greenwood, a veteran of three Lions tours, said three other coaches must have merited consideration.
"I don't think (England coach) Eddie Jones would have been interested but I am a big fan of (Ireland coach) Joe Schmidt and I would have loved to have seen them in tandem, and there is Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend who must be mentioned.
"Glasgow put in a brilliant performance at Connach at the weekend but I believe he has ruled himself out as he is keen to replace Vern Cotter as Scotland coach. But what a Lion Townsend was in 1997 and what a joy it was to watch him play and it's great to see how he has developed as a coach.
"There are lots of opportunities and options now for Gatland to have a look at and I think it is super exciting. I think the Northern Hemisphere section has started extremely well and it needs to because come June, they will face their toughest tour, and my goodness have they made it tough."
The Lions' schedule runs from June 3-July 8 next year, opening up against a provincial team before playing a further nine matches including three Tests against the All Blacks and games against Blues, Crusaders, Highlanders, Maori, Chiefs and Hurricanes over the following month.
"It is so unbelievably difficult," added Greenwood. "The stadiums will be packed and these will be outstandingly good games. You look at that list of matches and that's why everyone wants to be part of it."
Lions itinerary in New Zealand next year:
June 3: Provincial Barbarians (Whangarei)
June 7: Blues (Auckland)
June 10: Crusaders (Christchurch)
June 13: Highlanders (Dunedin)
June 17: Maori All Blacks (Rotorua)
June 20: Chiefs (Hamilton)
June 24: First Test (Auckland)
June 27: Hurricanes (Wellington)
July 1: Second Test (Wellington)
July 8: Third Test (Auckland)
