Keep it clean and you can lead Lions, Dylan

Northampton forwards coach Dorian West reckons Dylan Hartley is a live contender to captain the 2017 Lions – if he keeps his nose clean and fires up England.
England boss Eddie Jones has placed huge faith in Hartley, who skippers England against Scotland this week despite racking up 54 weeks of suspensions for a range of misdemeanours that cost him appearances at two World Cups and a Lions tour in 2013.
West believes the errant hooker will rise to the challenge, however, and says he will push the other Six Nations captains, Sam Warburton, Greig Laidlaw and Rory Best, in the race to lead the Lions on next year's daunting trip to face world champions New Zealand.
West told The Rugby Paper: “He's one of a number who could do that job and he has a chance. But he needs to make sure his performances are right up there, be the best captain he can be and help England play well over the next 12 months.
“It's a massive thing for Dylan to captain England – a great achievement and a big honour – and as a club it's also something we're proud of. We've got a good culture at Northampton and Dylan's a big part of driving that. He sets high standards which is really pleasing.
“Everything he does he gives 100 per cent, whether that's on the field or off it, and it's something he prides himself on. He's hard-working, knows what he wants of others and he'll have the respect of everyone in that England camp. They just need to deliver now.”
Hartley's reputation goes before him but Northampton have steadfastly kept the faith, to the extent that boss Jim Mallinder made him the Premiership's youngest ever captain, aged 23, in 2009 despite the player having already served a lengthy ban for eye-gouging.
West explained: “It's about keeping things in perspective. It's a tough game with people competing for places, whether it be in the club or at international level, and you've got to make sure you keep your standards up and lead from the front.
“Dylan has been disappointed on a few occasions along the way but he's always bounced back. He learns every time something happens and although we've missed his services a few times, that's Dylan.
“He gets a lot of stick when he's playing and gets heavily provoked, but more often than not he reacts really well. I've seen him keep himself under control despite severe provocation, but occasionally he's stepped out of line.
“He learns from it, though, and the England coaches will have canvassed opinion around the squad and made their decision.”
West backs Saints flanker Tom Wood and centre Luther Burrell to fight their way back into England contention. He said: “Both of their attitudes have been absolutely outstanding.
“Tom played amazingly well against the Scarlets last week his work-rate was fantastic, while Luther is desperate as well. You can be nothing but pleased with how they've reacted and I've no doubt both can get back in the England set-up.”
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