Five Players Who Would Have Impressed Gatland At Murrayfield

Johnny Sexton kicked a late penalty to see Ireland to victory over Scotland in the Six Nations on Sunday, the visitors running out 27-24 winners at Murrayfield.

With Warren Gatland in the stands, we take a look at five players who would have impressed the British and Irish Lions boss. 

Robbie Henshaw - Ireland

Warren Gatland has had a busy 24 hours as he was spotted at Twickenham on Saturday where England captain Owen Farrell stood out in the victory over France. On Sunday, another man stood out in the #12 jersey with Robbie Henshaw producing another excellent performance in what has been a superb tournament for the 27-year-old. Henshaw was a tourist in 2017 and with his versatility in the midfield and potentially at fullback, Henshaw could well be a squad member once again and even a starter if his current form continues.

Henshaw was seen charging up and down the pitch at Murrayfield impressing under the high ball as well as on attack and defence. He reacted quickly to score the first try of the game having gone up to win the up and under himself moments before.

Iain Henderson - Ireland

A titanic performance from Henderson against Scotland as he topped the tackle, got stuck into the rucks and was a real threat over the ball. Heading into the weekend's action Henderson topped the charts for turnovers won in the Six Nations and he added a further two turnovers to his tally on Sunday. He was also involved with Ireland's excellence in the defensive lineout with him, James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne starring at the set piece.

Hamish Watson - Scotland

One of the biggest headache's Gatland will have when selecting his test 23 is narrowing down the incredible list of loose forwards down to just three. Watson did not tour with the Lions in 2017 but if he does get a call this year, his form suggests that he will certainly not disappoint. 

The 29-year-old was incredible with ball in hand bumping off tacklers with ease as he racked up over 20 running metres and managed to make all 14 of his attempted tackles. He had no right to score with that many men on him but still managed to score what could have been the try that sealed a draw for Scotland.

Duhan van der Merwe - Scotland

A mammoth of a man of the wing, it's hard for Duhan van der Merwe not to stand out.

However, van der Merwe was one of Scotland's best on Sunday as he made more running metres than any other player in the game (76) while also managing to beat more defenders (8) than any other player on the pitch doubling the next best from Sam Johnson. 

The 100kg plus winger could well provide Gatland with a big ball carrying winger much like George North did during the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour. 

Tadhg Beirne - Ireland

Beirne was everywhere on Sunday. He piled into the rucks, stole lineouts and managed to convince Romain Poite that he had scored.

The Irishman has also improved his carrying game massively in 2021 and could provide Gatland with an option at blindside and lock. 

While it will be tough for Beirne to break into the starting XV, he may well find a place on the bench as Gatland looks to negate the Springboks' Bomb squad.