Hartley is focused on England not Lions SOS
The hooker, 31, admits he is under growing pressure to keep hold of not only the England captaincy but his place in the front row.
Hartley insists he has put the decision by Warren Gatland not to offer a place in his squad for New Zealand out of mind as he lands in Argentina today for England’s two-Test campaign.
The Northampton forward says he will not allow any thoughts of a possible injury replacement call-up by Gatland while he is in South American, to stop him focusing or giving 100 per cent against the Pumas.
Hartley, who lost out on a Lions place in 2013 due to being sent off in the Premiership final and subsequently banned, had his hopes lifted slightly when Wales’ Ken Owens sustained an ankle injury but was able to board the plane.
But Hartley told The Rugby Paper: “The Lions doesn’t define me. I’m okay by it. There is a possibility I might get the call but there’s also the possibility I might not.
“So right now there’s no point dreaming or thinking about it. All my focus is on this England tour and not getting side-tracked. I’ve got an important role with this England squad here and I want to embrace it.
“I learned I wasn’t in the Lions squad the evening before it was named. So I was well prepared for when it happened. I’ve had that many setbacks and what not, but I’ve just learned all you can do is say ‘okay, no problem and move on’.
“So I drew a line under the Lions straight away and, as I say, it won’t define me one way or another.”
Rather than locking horns with the All Blacks big men he will be going head to head with the almost as formidable Puma powerhouses who, he admits, make Argentina a “very dangerous side” in the two Tests in their own backyard. But it is the competition from up and coming youngsters on his own side which has Hartley just as worried about his future and hopes of captaining the team into the next World Cup in Japan.
Eddie Jones has picked 17 uncapped players for the tour in a makeshift squad with so many away with the Lions, and Hartley is the most experienced member of the touring party with 84 caps.
Leading England on that record- equalling 18-match winning run failed to scotch rumours he was in danger of losing his place to Jamie George and Hartley knows the need to fight off the young guns makes life even harder.
Worcester’s Jack Singleton, 21, below, impressed in his start against the Barbarians last weekend while Wasps’ Tommy Taylor, unavailable because of injury, is seen as an England future regular.
And Hartley insists: “Having so many youngsters around invigorates me. The competition for places with the production line of the guys coming through highlights to me to embrace where I am now – to keep improving and be a part of this.
“There will only be changes if I don’t get better. So it is in my hands and Eddie has made it very clear to me I can be involved for as long as I want. So I need to keep playing well and leading by example on and off the field.
“I’ve been really impressed with all the young guys who have brought an unbelievable energy into the squad. I’ve not had to ask for anything to be upped in terms of effort and energy, it has all been very professional.
“I’ve said to them this is the same team but with new faces. Those new faces know the expectations of them. So they have come in with a hunger and desire to stake a claim. And that’s been very noticeable.”
GARY FITZGERALD
