It is hard to imagine how Alun Wyn Jones must feel not being able to go on the Lions tour. But, it is too late for the players to dwell on this.The rest of the squad boarded the plane to South Africa the day after he had dislocated his shoulder during the warm-up match against Japan.There is so much to learn and strict Covid-19 protocols to follow.They are working three to four days per day because of the busy schedule.Also, it is not like Justin Tipuric and Alun Wyn, who were also hurt against Japan, will be the only ones to have to withdraw from the tour due to injury. It is likely that this will happen.I wouldn't think that Jones's departure would be the end of the world for the squad.They will be motivated and aware that it is a 40-man team that is going against the world champions."The Lions have lost one their pillars"Alun Wyn Jones (centrefront) returned to the pitch after the Lions beat Japan to collect the trophyAlun Wyn will disappoint a lot of people. The captain has an iconic status that is waiting to be seized.He has demonstrated his class by showing that he participated in the Japan game as well as going on the pitch and collecting his trophy.It wasn't about him. It was about winning the tour. That tour group will be taking on South Africa because of his impression.It's a huge loss, as Alun Wyn was on three tours and set an amazing standard.It can only be attributed to Martin Johnson, who captained both the Lions in the 2001 tour of Australia and South Africa in 1997.You would know if he was injured and wasn't playing that you have a weaker squad. This does not necessarily mean that you are a weaker Test squad, but it does indicate that you are losing one your pillars.The pitch isn't everything, as the Lions have second row players who are equally competent at that position.His off-field experience is what will be most affected. Martin was on the 1993 Lions tour. He was not necessarily Alun Wyn Jones' totem.He was going to always be part of the team. He was a man-mountain and would not take a step back.Alun Wyn was also a skilled at joining different countries together. It is hard to replace someone like this."Murray is highly respected"Conor Murray was pictured prior to the Lions' flight from South Africa to South Africa. He was appointed captain Saturday night.Conor Murray, Ireland's scrum-half, was quickly selected to assume the captaincy. I would have considered him, but Owen Farrell and Stuart Hogg would also be options.It is important to consider who will be playing in Tests. Murray, if he is fit and healthy, is the best form scrum-half to Gareth Davies or Ali Price.Farrell does not guarantee himself a Test slot, according to me. Maro will be right in this mix, but it is not likely that it has helped him in any way playing in the Championship alongside Saracens.However, I understand that he is highly respected in the team and is a member of social committees.Murray isn't your typical cheeky-chappie scrum half. Murray is more of a scrum-half, a manager-type politician.His position seems close enough to the action that the referee can have complete respect for it. Conor is world-class."Covid protocols will make it mentally difficult"After arriving in South Africa, the kit of the British and Irish Lions was cleaned.The Lions will also have to deal with the loss of their skipper.South Africa is currently fighting a third wave. The Springboks announced recently three positive tests at their camp.This will help the Lions to focus on Covid protocols, which I know are razor-sharp.These players will find it mentally difficult. They will need to be disciplined.The smallest chance is that you will get more cases.This will be the focus of all players, as well as their other responsibilities.The problem with the Lions is how they get them together off the field.They were able paddle board and golf in Jersey. You won't necessarily get that final bond if you don't have these things.I'm not there and I don't know the details, but I can imagine it being very frustrating and difficult.It would be great to win. There is no reason to get upset if you are winning your games.Matt Dawson spoke to Becky Grey, BBC Sport.
