McBride sceptical about Robinson

"To earn a Lions place you've got to be first choice"

Irish rugby union legend Willie John McBride is not convinced Jason Robinson deserves to have been included in the Lions squad to tour Australia.

The former Lions skipper says Robinson, who only recently swiched codes from rugby league to union, has yet to prove himself at international level.

"He is a footballer of immense talent but he has got to adapt to a new game," said McBride.

"I am one of the the people who always say you have got to earn these things and surely to earn a Lions place you've got to be a prime starter in any game?"

League star Jason Robinson is a controversial selection

Robinson, who made a sensational Six Nations debut for England against Italy, has less than 120 minutes of top-level rugby union under his belt.

"He has yet never been a first choice for his country so he must be regarded as one of the lucky ones to have been included," added McBride.

"But now it's up to him to prove the selectors right and it is up to Graham Henry to prove the selection right so let's see what happens."

McBride captained the famous Lions tour to South Africa in 1974, when the squad were unbeaten.

His Lions side won 21 consecutive matches including three Test victories, before drawing their final match against the Springboks.

Johnson led the Lions to victory in South Africa in 1997

The second rower said he had no arguments at Johnson becoming the first Lion to retain the armband.

"It's tremendous for him. He has shown great ability and deserves the honour."

McBride backed the Lions to win in Australia but said they must guard against complacency.

"This is a tremendous challenge and they obviously won't take it too lightly as it is not easy to win in Australia.

Toughest test

"You only have to look at the Super 12s to see how strong the game is down there and Australia are the reigning world champions.

"There is a lot of hype that the Lions are going to go down there and win but it just doesn't happen that easily.

"There is going to have to be a lot of preparation. The conditions down under are different and they will have to adapt to a great deal.

"The Lions will have to be at their best. I hope they win and I think they will."

McBride said he had no arguments about the omission of Welsh centre Scott Gibbs.