Mike Phillips’ Reaction To Conor Murray Being Named Lions Captain Is Just Brilliant
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Skipper.
Warren Gatland surprised us all late on Saturday when it was announced that Conor Murray would be replacing Alun Wyn Jones as Lions captain following his unfortunate injury against Japan that ended his tour before it even began.
Jones got caught awkwardly while competing for the ball at the breakdown and ended up dislocating his shoulder, ending his involvement at Murrayfield after just seven minutes.
Speculation as to who would replace him dominated post-match discussion but Murray’s name was really mentioned, given the fact that he hasn’t captained his club or country in the past.
But the more you think about it, Gatland has made a clever decision. Murray is on his third tour, he’s a natural leader and is almost guaranteed to start the Test match series against the Springboks.
Still, that hasn’t stopped former Wales and Lions scrumhalf Mike Phillips, who toured Australia with Murray back in 2013, from having a jab at the Irishman following his appointment.
Murray was compared to Phillips early on in his career, given the resemblance in looks and size – and the fact that they play a similar style at nine. But Murray is only a “poor-mans Mike Phillips” according to the Welshman!
Jokes aside, Phillips said Murray is a “great choice” for captain and a “very likeable guy” who he reckons is a Test-starter.
Murray being picked as Captain, is a great choice! Very likeable guy and he’s a starter for sure. The poor man’s Mike Phillips has done well. 👌😜
— Mike Phillips (@mikephillips009) June 27, 2021