Lions squad announced: Making Sam Warburton captain is a sensible move - Chris Foy comment

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The Lions squad announced today contains few major surprises and few major controversies. This is a squad based on established Test pedigree.

Nevertheless, there are some peculiarities and talking points – not least the coaches’ decision to go to Australia with just two specialist No 10s, yet no proven cover in the ranks. Furthermore, they have chosen only four centres, with Jamie Roberts alone as an established No 12. And up front there is one significant shock, with Matt Stevens of Saracens in the squad at tighthead prop, despite the fact that he retired from international rugby last August.

The decision to award the captaincy to Sam Warburton has been questioned in some quarters - with his former team-mate with Wales and the Blues - Martyn Williams, among those to suggest the flanker is not the right man for the job. He had established himself as an inspirational leader at international level during the last World Cup, but injuries and a dip in form had followed.

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Cruel blow: England skipper Chris Robshaw (left) has been omitted from Warren Gatland's Lions squad as his Wales counterpart Sam Warburton (right) has been bestowed the honour of captaining the squad 

Wallaby slayers: The full squad is displayed during the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour squad and captain announcement at London Syon Park Hotel

  More... Warburton to captain Lions in Australia as Wilkinson and Robshaw miss out BEN KAY: Why my panel of former Lions are urging Gatland to pick an Englishman at flanker... but not Chris Robshaw! British and Irish Lions squad: Your ultimate guide to the 37 men heading Down Under Sir Clive Woodwood: Jonny's in amazing shape... he'd be on the plane and in my team  

During the recent Six Nations, Warburton's game had shown signs of revival but - in consultation with Wales coach Rob Howley - he had opted to concentrate on performing to his peak, leaving the captaincy duties to Ryan Jones, then Gethin Jenkins. The strategy paid off, with a successful title defence capped by a record 30-3 win over England.

Warburton's appointment makes sense, as he is a confident figurehead who has worked with Gatland many times before at Test level. His form has returned and he should be able to handle the myriad responsibilities which go with the role.

   VIDEO   Warburton appointed to lead Lions