Gatland opens up on decision to name Hogg captain

British & Irish Lions Head Coach Warren Gatland has spoken to the South African media ahead of their clash with the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg. 

Earlier today (Thursday), Gatland named a much changed team from the one which took on Japan last weekend and has picked Scottish fullback Stuart Hogg as captain. 

Quizzed on that decision, Gatland said the following: 

"You’re looking at players who have had some experience. Stuart is on his third tour now, he did a great job with Scotland and he’s come from a very successful club in Exeter. 

"He’s got that experience and leadership skills, he’s very calm and leads from the front in the way he plays. He delivers clear and concise messages without rambling on and raving. I really like his leadership style and the way he’s been with the team this week. 

"There’s a number of other players that potentially are in contention, we have got a strong leadership group and we are going to need other players besides Conor Murray through this tour to captain the side. We are fortunate that we’ve got a fair number of choices that we could possibly go to. 

"With losing Alun Wyn it’s now a responsibility on the leadership group and other players in the squad to step up and really support each other. They’ve done a great job in doing that and taking on that mantle to make sure it’s not just Stuart’s responsibility, but everyone’s, and those experienced players are taking a role in terms of communicating and taking some of the pressure off the captain."