MUNSTER’S SIMON ZEBO has his fingers crossed that there will be a good Munster contingent on this summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand — and he’s hoping to be one of those who’ll make the cut.
Zebo was a mid-tour call-up for the injured Tommy Bowe when the Lions went to Australia in 2013, and with Munster players’ confidence and form at the highest it’s been in recent years, the Cork back predicts a bright summer for his provincial colleagues.
Zebo made three appearances on the last tour without featuring in any of the three Test games against the hosts. But he says everyone wants to see their name in Warren Gatland’s squad.
“Of course, everyone wants to go,” said Zebo this afternoon. “That’s just purely a coach’s decision. The only thing you can do is play well and put your best foot forward.
“Every player wants to go. Earlsy [Keith Earls] went two tours ago and he only had one or two caps. There’s loads of opportunities for every player playing in these isles.”
The recent form of Munster and Ireland is surely helping the cause of players like Zebo. The province’s Champions Cup win over Toulouse last weekend and Ireland’s recent Grand Slam-busting victory over England have done his chances no harm.
But another big performance is probably required when Munster take on defending champions Saracens at the Aviva Stadium in the last four of the Champions Cup.
“I’m sure if we keep doing what we’re doing and keep notching up the wins, we’ll have a few Munster lads there,” he said. “I just have to focus on helping my team
“That’s the best chance I can give myself; just by helping Munster. If I help Munster, it generally is me doing different things.”
Zebo was speaking on behalf of Life Style Sports and Munster Rugby as part of their #MunsterRising event at Thomond Park.
