British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has called for larger touring squads due to the increase in physicality of the game.
The New Zealander picked a 37-strong squad for the tour of Australia, but has already seen Cian Healy and Gethin Jenkins return home injured.
Gatland said that there is a notable difference in the intensity of the game from the last time the Lions toured - in South Africa four years ago.
"I think that as you move from one tour to the next, you realise how tough it is, especially for the players," Gatland told Sky Sports News.
"The game's physicality has increased from 2009 in South Africa. It has stepped up a level, and players handling two games a week is tough. It is something we need to be mindful of.
"If you are writing a report at the end of the tour, you need to consider whether there is a case for bigger squads from the start because of this step-up in physicality."
The Lions take on the New South Wales Warratahs tomorrow.
Michael Penkman
