Fans fume over Lions call as Andy Farrell decision questioned
The exclusion of Jac Morgan, although not entirely surprising, has been met with a mix of bewilderment, disappointment and in some instances, outright fury.
Despite Morgan's promising performances on this tour, his omission further highlights the recent downturn in Welsh rugby.
Morgan's absence hasn't come as a shock, especially after Wednesday's reports suggested that Tom Curry would be donning the number seven jersey. However, it will undoubtedly leave a sour taste in the mouths of many fans, especially in Wales.
The 25-year-old was one of only two Welshmen in the touring party, but became the sole representative of his nation when Tomos Williams had to withdraw due to injury, reports Wales Online.
This decision means that for the first time since 1896, the Lions will enter a Test without a single Welshman in their squad. Jac Morgan (Image:)
In total, the matchday squad for the first Test in Brisbane includes 11 players from Ireland, nine from England, and three from Scotland.
Even though Morgan's complete omission was anticipated, it has left many fans baffled, with numerous supporters expressing their confusion on social media.
"Jac Morgan not making the 23 is absolutely criminal," one fan expressed.
Another supporter was equally shocked, stating: "Jac Morgan not being included AT ALL is absolute insanity,".
"If he's picking the best in terms of form right now, Jac Morgan has to start. Travesty," lamented another fan.
One supporter even suggested that Morgan's team-mates might be puzzled by his omission: "Other players in that Lions squad will be looking at Jac Morgan as someone who has played himself into the 23," they said. "They will be scratching their heads at his omission and wondering if there is any point in the midweek game, when Farrell will just pick his favourites regardless."
Meanwhile, some fans felt that Henry Pollock was also hard done by: "No Jac Morgan and Pollock is a bit strange, fully thought at least one of them would be on the bench," one fan commented.
"In a similar regard, Tom being the engine that we all know that we need in regards to Test match football."
When asked how close Morgan was to selection, Farrell revealed at his Thursday press conference: "As close as you could imagine.
"Look, you're gutted for players like that and Josh as well, and Henry as well, because they're playing good rugby and could easily be in this side on Saturday, but I suppose that shows the good place that we're at as a group."
The Lions are set to face Australia at the SunCorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 11am Irish time.
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