Sam Warburton uncertain for first Test against New Zealand

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton has not ruled out of the possibility of him missing the first Test for the British and Irish Lions against New Zealand that begins at Eden Park on 24th June.

The 28-year-old recovered from an ankle strain that he sustained during the game against New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in the tour opener and is set to lead the side against Highlanders on Tuesday.

Despite, his possible return to action against Highlanders, Warburton insisted that his selection in the first Test against Steve Hansen's men is not guaranteed as he feels he requires more match time.

"I definitely need more games. I definitely admit that and I knew that coming into the tour," said Warburton, who had beaten a knee injury to make the Lions tour in the first place.

"I've learned from experience that it takes me at least two games and then the third game I'll probably be playing some good rugby but Gats (coach Warren Gatland) knew that.

"I've received this role as tour captain and I know there's every chance that I might not even get involved in that first Test because there's every other player.

"I see it as I'm tour captain, and if I've made the Test then that would be a bonus for me, but I've said there's three Tests to get selected for so it's not the be-all and end-all with the first one."

Warburton also insisted that he will remain "honest" with head coach Warren Gatland on how he feels after the game on Tuesday.

"I'll be honest with Gats and Gats will be honest with me: if I play Tuesday and I still feel I'm a bit undercut, then I might not be ready for that first Test," said Warburton.

"Maybe that would be the situation, or maybe I could have a blinder on Tuesday and feel absolutely fine so we'll see how it goes really.

"I'll be perfectly honest with Warren and if I feel I need more games then I'll tell him if I don't feel ready.

"And if I don't need anything more then I'll obviously let him know that with a good performance.

"When I play well and I am match-fit, I am aggressive in the tackle, I'll contribute handful of good carries, and you become a lineout option.

"And more importantly, which hasn't really been a factor in the last three games, is turnovers.

"We haven't seen a whole lot of turnovers. Y ou've got to be able to do everything, but you've got to bring a specialist element and I guess my one specialist element is the contact area.

"I guess I have to deliver in that area on Tuesday. That's my role of expertise."