Rainbow Cup just isn't worth injury risk

AS we go into the final stages of the domestic season, we will now see the experienced players come to the fore. It is make or break time for many with trophies on the line.

- Shane Williams

For others – mainly the players taking part in the PRO14’s Rainbow Cup – there is less at stake which is why there is a balance to be had between playing and resting.

It was telling for me to read Dai Young’s and Toby Booth’s comments on Lions trio Josh Adams, captain Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric.

Young said he has had “sleepless nights” over Josh playing in recent games for Cardiff Blues, adding “he wouldn’t forgive himself” if the wing got injured and missed the tour. Booth, the head coach at my former side Ospreys, said Jones and Tipuric “needed saving from themselves” despite their wish to keep on playing.

All three of those Wales and Lions players were left out of their Rainbow Cup games this weekend and I think that’s sensible. I take my hat off to Dai and Toby for their approach. Dai has been a Lion so he understands the huge importance of the famous red shirt to a player.

There is no doubt the fear of injury will be something occupying every player in Warren Gatland’s 37-man party for South Africa right now. It is inevitable. It will be in the back of your mind that even something small like a little hamstring or calf tear could rule you out of taking on the Springboks. But of course, injuries can happen at any time.