Robin McBryde says that Conor Murray's experience got him the nod for the Lions captaincy - and that the discussion over who would replace Alun Wyn Jones in the role didn't last long.
Murray's appointment late on Saturday night came from left-field as there were other candidates with Test captaincy experience, such as Owen Farrell, Ken Owens and Stuart Hogg.
But the Munster and Ireland scrum-half is the only three-time tourist in South Africa and scrum coach McBryde said: “We didn't spend that long talking about it. Obviously we had to make a decision pretty quickly on the run.
"There were a number of candidates that were discussed, but Conor, because of his experience, he came out on top really.
“As far as I go, it was a quick discussion amongst us to discuss those outstanding candidates and then Warren made the call on Conor."
Asked how Murray was settling into his new role, McBryde said it was early days yet.
“He has obviously only had an aeroplane journey to bed in, so his duties haven't been that great in front of the team thus far," remarked the Leinster coach.
“I'm sure he will bed in. There is enough experience around him as well.
"One of the things that we did discuss, whoever is captain, there are good leaders in and around the squad with vast amounts of experience, so whoever is named captain can rely on those experienced to lend him a hand and to contribute as well.
“But to date, he hasn't changed too much, which is great, because the last thing you want is the captain to think that he has to speak at every occasion and just not be himself.
“So, as far as I can see, he has taken it in his stride.”
McBryde was impressed with how the Limerick man conducted himself during the two weeks preparation in Jersey ahead of Saturday's opening 28-10 victory over Japan.
“He was good," he said. "Training with all the scrum-halves with forwards unit session as much as possible in order for them to take command of the forwards and to provide that link between the forwards and the backs.
“And because of his experience, Conor is able to do that. He likes to be heard with regards to a forwards perspective, both from attack and defence.
“That's all you want from a nine. You want a nine to be able to lead the forwards.
“From that point of view, in the unit sessions I have been involved in, he has been great.”
