Shot at Champions Cup title not only motivation as B&I call-ups loom
SPOTLIGHT: The semifinals of the Champions Cup are just around the corner as the sport’s best prepare to battle it out for a place in Cardiff’s Finals.
While final four preparations are in full swing, a potential shot at the title is not the only motivation for some of the players involved.
With Andy Farrell set to announce the finalised British & Irish Lions tour squad on May 8, the Champions Cup semifinals offers a last look at those in contention for spots. And thanks to some stellar performances for club and country, Stade Toulousain’s Blair Kinghorn and Jack Willis could make the cut.
There’s a fascinating battle ensuing for who will get the fullback spot for the British & Irish Lions come the tour this summer.
Leinster’s Hugo Keenan has shone for club and country this term, including a try in their quarterfinal clash against Glasgow Warriors. Elsewhere and recently back from injury, George Furbank is in with a shout should he perform this weekend too.
Another man who is many people’s favourites for the No. 15 shirt is Stade Toulousain’s Blair Kinghorn. A fundamental part of Stade Toulousain’s sixth Champions Cup last year and reinforcing that form this season, the Scot has gone from strength to strength in France.
Now with a real possibility of being called up for Farrell’s final 37-man squad, Kinghorn made it clear that he would relish the chance to get the nod.
“It would be a huge honour, he said.
“It’s like winning the Champions Cup – something you dream about when you’re younger. It’d be a massive honour and a massive dream of mine if I’m lucky enough.”
Keen to remain grounded faced with the prospect, Kinghorn understands the importance of the upcoming Investec Champions Cup semifinal against Union Bordeaux-Bègles – the last run-out before the squad selection.
“There’s a lot of rugby to be played. So, I’m not thinking too much about it, I just want to focus on week-in, week-out with Toulouse. But it would be a massive dream”, he said.
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Another Stade Toulousain stalwart this season is back row warrior Jack Willis. Dubbed as many as one of England’s finest in the position, teammate Blair Kinghorn was quick to praise Willis.
“He’s been class”, he started.
“He’s had a really tough time through injuries at the start of his career, and now, the last two and a half years at Toulouse, he’s found some absolutely great form.”
Asked whether he, in Andy Farrell’s position, would take Willis with him on tour for the British & Irish Lions this summer, the Scot made no two bones about how worthy he is for the call-up.
“He’s a menace all over the park, he steals the ball from everywhere. I think he’s a great player and he’s in great form, so why not?”
Should they both be fit and firing, Willis and Kinghorn will be targeting this weekend’s Champions Cup semifinal as a way of showing their worth to Andy Farrell ahead of the Final squad announcement.
Source @ChampionsCup
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