Wednesday 28 June 2017 07:52, UK
Stuart Barnes says not using the bench against the Hurricanes has weakened the Lions, players' chances of a Test place and Warren Gatland's reputation.
The British and Irish Lions frittered away a 16-point half-time lead to draw 31-31 with Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes on Tuesday in a fresh setback following their first Test loss to the New Zealand All Blacks.
Warren Gatland's refusal to turn to his bench when his first XV looked out on their feet was a key reason for allowing the Hurricanes to force the draw.
With the controversial 'Geographical Six' on the bench, Gatland defended that decision, insisting the strategy was in response to the criticism that claimed drafting in players who were close to New Zealand rather than picking solely on merit had devalued the Lions shirt.
Stuart Barnes, who originally understood Gatland's decision to draft in Finn Russell, Tomas Francis, Allan Dell, Kristian Dacey, Cory Hill and Gareth Davies, says Gatland's explanation does not stand up to scrutiny and he has now done the Lions and himself a disservice.
"While the initial decision to bring players based as much on geographical proximity as ability onto a Lions tour disappointed me, I was of the school that believes the main issue here was not the 'integrity' of the Lions but whatever was needed to beat one of the best teams in the history of rugby union," Barnes told Sky Sports.
"Right or wrong I stood by Gatland's decision to do what he felt was best.
"Now his backtracking claiming a collective decision process based on overwhelming public opinion and media headlines reads as a sign of serious weakness.
"I find it almost inconceivable that Gatland, such a tough and bloody-minded coach has backtracked.
"The decision not to use the substitutions has possibly weakened the claims of men like Iain Henderson, Rory Best and Justin Tipuric for a place in Saturday's squad when their form merited serious consideration.
"In other words, his backtracking means the initial decision, far from helping the Lions, may just have hindered their chance not to mention wounding his reputation in the process."
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