Taylor predicts Lions surprise
Unlucky Lion Simon Taylor has backed his touring team-mates to pull off a surprise result in the opening Test.
The Scotland international was forced out of his second-successive Lions tour by a hamstring injury – four years after returning home early from Australia with a knee problem.
Taylor concedes watching the game in the early hours of the morning from his Edinburgh home will be difficult.
But the 25-year-old maintains Sir Clive Woodward’s team can spring a surprise in Christchurch.
Taylor told Scotland Today: “I think people will be surprised tomorrow and the team will put in a decent performance.
“I’ve not seen the last two games, it was just too close to the bone but I’ll drag myself out of bed for it, I think.”
But the Edinburgh Gunners number eight admits his decision to return home was the right one.
Taylor added: “The thing is you can run on it at decent pace, but it’s different when you’re playing and sprinting and I would not be confident playing today, which is two weeks after, so it was the right decision.
“There were a few days when I couldn’t believe it and I thought what’s the point of this? At the moment, it seems I’m injured all the time.”
Now Taylor is targeting a return to club and country action next season under Frank Hadden.
The Edinburgh head coach is hoping to be named as Scotland boss after guiding the team to successive wins over the Barbarians and Romania in an interim role following the sacking of Matt Williams.
Taylor said: “I’m biased because I play for Edinburgh and all the guys enjoy what Frank and the team try to do.
“If that’s what he’s trying to do, I’d love to see his style of play and his attitude brought to the Scotland team.”
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