The news of Conor Murray's appointment as Lions captain was somewhat of a surprising one, but it does make sense on a number of levels.
The Munster man is vastly experienced at test level, including with the Lions. He is also one of the first names on the team sheet and has been a leader for club and country for a number of years even if not always the official captain.
There is little doubt that he will excel in the role.
The South African setup certainly believe the Irishman was the right choice.
Head coach Jacques Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus know Murray well having worked with him during their time at Munster, with Nienaber describing the qualities he will bring to the position.
I enjoyed with Conor. He's a no nonsense guys in terms of not a lot of bells and whistles, he's to the point and just gets the job done.
He's brilliant at what he does. It was a privilege working with him.
We lost him at the back end of our season in 2017 when we played in our semi-final against Saracens. That's not to say things would have been different, but he's a big loss and we felt it when he wasn't there.
That's probably what Warren, and I can't talk for them, but what you see in that guy is a steady head with a good skillset, people enjoy him.
He's a great add to captain.
Rassie Erasmus is also a big fan of Murray's, having close hand experience with a number of players in the Lions squad.
He believes the 32-year old is a good appointment, although he thinks he will be helped by the other leaders in the team.
It's interesting, the whole thing. There are so many guys that we were involved with or coached. Even Tadhg Beirne that was drafted in late, we actually signed just before we got back to South Africa.
It's going to be so interesting, you look at all of those players.
I feel so bad for Alun Wyn, but I remember he came back from injury as well when we just started coaching Munster and the difference he made. He will definitely be a loss.
But with Mur (Murray) and all the other guys, there's Itoje, there are so many leaders. We know we're in for a tough one.
I think it's a good appointment.
The Lions squad touched down in South Africa yesterday, with their first fixture in the country set to take place against Emirates Lions on Saturday.
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