Sam Warburton: Progressing well in his recovery from a minor ligament strain
The British and Irish Lions picked up no new injury concerns in their opening fixture against the Barbarians on Saturday - and could have captain Sam Warburton fit for their next game.
Apart from two players requiring stitches, doctor James Robson was able to report a clean bill of health before the team flew out to Australia from Hong Kong.
"The boys did exceptionally well, the conditions were tough." Dr James Robson "I'm delighted we had less damage than we normally would in a Test match," he said. "Two guys required stitches, Tom Youngs and Paul O'Connell, but those were accidents. We are going to arrive in Australia with the squad intact." The biggest issue for the players in action in the 58-9 triumph on Saturday was dealing with the oppressively hot and humid conditions. Benefit "The boys did exceptionally well, the conditions were tough," said Robson. "We know that if you stress individuals at certain points you get a benefit. You benefit from being able to cope with those stresses, be it physically or mentally. Live on Sky Sports Live International Rugby Union Western Force v British & Irish Lions June 5, 2013 10:30am Remote Record Get a Sky Sports Day Pass Upgrade to Sky Sports "Coaches want that. What better way to prepare than by playing in a sauna? The Lions will now look to hit the ground running Down Under when they take on Western Force in a game that skipper Warburton could feature in. The Wales flanker had to make do with a seat in the stands at the Hong Kong Stadium due to a minor ligament strain in his knee sustained in training. In his absence, Irishman O'Connell led the side. "Sam is progressing well," Robson added. Prop Gethin Jenkins (calf strain) and flanker Sean O'Brien (knee) also sat out the Barbarians match but both took part in light training on Sunday and could be selected by Gatland for the game at Patersons Stadium in Perth. Source : http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/16057/8753482/Sam-Warburton-could-be-fit-to-face-Western-Force-in-opening-match-in-Australia
"I'm delighted we had less damage than we normally would in a Test match," he said.
"Two guys required stitches, Tom Youngs and Paul O'Connell, but those were accidents. We are going to arrive in Australia with the squad intact."
The biggest issue for the players in action in the 58-9 triumph on Saturday was dealing with the oppressively hot and humid conditions.
"The boys did exceptionally well, the conditions were tough," said Robson.
"We know that if you stress individuals at certain points you get a benefit. You benefit from being able to cope with those stresses, be it physically or mentally.
"Coaches want that. What better way to prepare than by playing in a sauna?
The Lions will now look to hit the ground running Down Under when they take on Western Force in a game that skipper Warburton could feature in.
The Wales flanker had to make do with a seat in the stands at the Hong Kong Stadium due to a minor ligament strain in his knee sustained in training. In his absence, Irishman O'Connell led the side.
"Sam is progressing well," Robson added.
Prop Gethin Jenkins (calf strain) and flanker Sean O'Brien (knee) also sat out the Barbarians match but both took part in light training on Sunday and could be selected by Gatland for the game at Patersons Stadium in Perth. Source : http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/16057/8753482/Sam-Warburton-could-be-fit-to-face-Western-Force-in-opening-match-in-Australia
