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Iain Henderson discusses Warren Gatland's Lions selections for British and Irish Lions
The Ulster Rugby Show Date is Thursday, September 23rd Time: 22:00 BST. Coverage: BBC Two NI & the iPlayer
Warren Gatland didn't base his selections for the British and Irish Lions test teams on South Africa form, according to Iain Henderson, Ulster and Ireland lock.
Henderson was on tour with the Lions again, but, like 2017, he did not make it to any Test squads.
Henderson spoke on BBC Sport NI's Ulster Rugby Show to respond to the suggestion Gatland selects players based upon familiarity rather than form.
He said, "I would tend agree with that statement."
"Courtney Lawes was a newcomer to rugby and had not played much. She was also injured.
Courtney is a great player, and Courtney probably deserved to play. But, that would make you believe that he [Gatland] was not picking on the players on stage. Courtney had already banked all of his form from before.
Henderson was one the most outstanding performers from Ireland in the Six Nations. He captained them against France for the first time before being chosen to captain the Lions against the Cell C Sharks.
Although the 29-year old appeared to be in a good position to participate in the Test series, Alun Wyn Jones' remarkable recovery saw Henderson return in time for the first match against the Springboks. Henderson was also pushed down the pecking list after he dislocated his shoulder four weeks prior.
Jones was paired with Maro Itoje in all three Tests. Henderson's international teammate Tadhg Beirne provided cover on the bench during the first two games. Then, Adam Beard from Wales took over for Jones in the matchday 23.
Henderson spoke on the new program, which was co-hosted jointly by Tommy Bowe and Rory Best, former Ireland internationals. He revealed that he had a conversation about selection after the third Test.
He recalled, "He said that I had played well, trained well, and it didn't work out the right way for me."
"I would not be one to go nagging coaches. My opinion is that I just go about my day and give the best training pitch.
"I feel like I'm part of a lot of staff and squad, they felt similar to me, but at end of day it's the top dogs decision and I wasn’t there."
Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones and Alun Wyn Jones began all three Tests in row 2.
"Before it's too late, you're trying beat South Africa at their own games."
Gatland's third tour as head coach turned heads with his squad selection, which prioritised durability and power as they traveled to face the reigning world champions.
The Test series was criticized for its slow and attritional pace. Neither side played a particularly exciting version of rugby.
Although the Lions scored big in their warm up games, they only managed to score two tries from South African hookers Ken Owens and Luke Cowan-Dickie in the three contests against South Africa.
Henderson stated, "You could play South Africa’s game plan against the Sharks, or something like that, and whenever you win the 50-50s the slap downs become a 50m attempt and people suddenly go, 'well, they're playing free flowing rugby today'."
"Before it's too late, you're trying beat South Africa at their own games. South Africa won the World Cup playing their own game. They are amazing at it.
"Falling in what they're incredibly skilled at I believe is something a group shouldn't attempt to do when playing with a team like that."
Henderson will miss the first round of the United Rugby Championship because he is still recovering from a thumb injury. He should be back in full form for Ireland's autumn Tests against the USA in Las Vegas on October 30th.
Listen to the complete interview with Iain Henderson on The Ulster Rugby Show, BBC Two NI, and the iPlayer. It airs at 22:00 BST on Thursday, 23 September.
