White doubts doubling up for Lions

They can go play whoever mate

Brumbies coach Jake White believes it is unlikely that players will play for both club and country against the British and Irish Lions.

Lions coach Warren Gatland on Tuesday said he hoped his charges’ would face the strongest possible provincial teams in the lead up to the Test series against the Wallabies to ensure for optimal on-field preparation.

The Canberra clash is the last of the pre-Test warm-ups, taking place just four days before the Lions face the Wallabies in Brisbane on June 22.

And while the likes of Brumbies and Wallaby veteran Stephen Moore has already said he would love to play in both games, White can’t see that happening.

''I think it's highly unlikely you'll get some boys playing four days before the first Test and then still expected to be in the Test match,'' said White, whose team includes Wallaby regulars David Pocock, Ben Alexander, Pat McCabe and Moore.

''If I was a national coach, I'd be wanting to make sure my Test team almost stayed in cotton wool for that first Test match.''

That attitude was echoed by Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen, although the loose forward himself is really keen to test himself against Britain and Ireland’s elite.

''I'm not really concerned about the British and Irish Lions' prep, they can go play whoever mate,'' said Mowen.

''The last thing you should be listening to is what Warren Gatland wants.

''In saying that, all the squads that get to play the Lions, it's a huge opportunity to play those guys.

''I don't think anyone in the squad would not be putting their best foot forward in those games and I think it's a good opportunity to see the rest of the squad play.”

Source: lionsrugby.com