Exclusive: Kay slams McGeechan over Croft omission
Tom Croft should have been on the Lions tour, claims Kay
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Thursday, 30, Apr 2009 09:20
World Cup-winning lock Ben Kay has hit out at Ian McGeechan for what he sees as the Lions head coach's "mistake" in omitting versatile forward Tom Croft.
In an exclusive interview with inthenews.co.uk, Kay, whose Leicester side face Cardiff Blues in a crucial Heineken Cup semi-final match this Sunday, said it was "wrong" for the Lions coaches not to take his team-mate.
"I thought it was the wrong decision," Kay said.
"It was certainly a surprise to me. I honestly think he could be the best player in world rugby with the talents he's got.
"He's someone who would really frighten the South Africans and I don't really think there are many of those in the Lions squad."
Irish back-row forward Alan Quinlan is widely thought to have been the man whose selection meant Croft missed out on the 37-man lineup.
And Kay, who toured with the Lions in New Zealand four years ago, says the selection of the veteran Munster flanker is something of a cowardly choice.
"You need to be brave to win these sorts of series," the England international continued.
"[Croft] is a mature guy and very sensible, so if [his inexperience] did count against him it was probably the wrong decision."
Kay added: "Tom's got searing pace and power but he's also got his ability in the lineout and his offloading and all-round play is excellent.
"I think they're really missing a trick not taking him."
Click here to read the full interview with Ben Kay on inthenews.co.uk.