Successful sides in New Zealand have displayed the necessity of strong tactical kicking from the fly-half and the Lions would do well to take noteThis tour was 34 seconds old when Bryn Gatland grubber-kicked into the British & Irish Lions 22. It was dealt with but as an attacking ploy it highlighted a difference between the sides.The Lions, at least when Johnny Sexton was at fly-half, looked to keep the ball in hand, either employing big ball-carriers to get over the gain-line or using loops and changes of direction to create space, but Gatland, in the manner of a New Zealand No10, varied his options more. Related: Lions hit right note off the field but show worrying lack of rhythm...
Whitewashed, battered and humiliated, Clive Woodward’s men left New Zealand with their reputations tarnished – and their anger burned for many years to comeIn the spring of 2005, the first postcards arrived. “They’ll be ready,” the cards read, “are you?” Soon after, wristbands came, sent by special delivery. They had “Power of Four” written on them, which, it turned out, was the official motto of the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour. It was all part of Clive Woodward’s grand plan. Woodward had spent 12 months scheming and made “no apologies for believing this is the best-prepared tour in the history of Lions rugby”. Related: It’s not arrogance but New Zealanders are expecting a 10-0 sweep of the Lions |...
A slow start with a lack of intensity and a failure to take their chances meant the Lions were largely reliant on their bench for positives from the tour opener Related: Lions limp past NZ Provincial Barbarians thanks to Anthony Watson try Continue reading...
The last three British & Irish Lions sides in New Zealand struggled for tries but the current squad boasts more talent and a formidable roster of goal-kickersTwelve years in international rugby union is a sporting eternity. The last time the British & Irish Lions embarked on the ultimate tour of tours to New Zealand, Maro Itoje was a 10-year-old and Tony Blair had just won his third election. That whole expedition – Gavin Henson, Alastair Campbell, the ill-fated Power of Four anthem, the single rooms – seems like a distant relic from another age. Related: Gatland has flexibility and flair to shelve Warrenball and challenge New Zealand | Paul Rees Related: Warren Gatland out to make Lions players household names...
The notion that Gatland is armed only with a rigid and ancient gameplan not only ignores his coaching record but the way Wales played in New Zealand last yearThe British & Irish Lions had a farewell dinner on Sunday, a rallying cry before they flew to New Zealand the following day, although not everyone believes they will fare well.“I am not sure Warren Gatland has the playbook and flexibility for this challenge,” the 2005 Lions wing Shane Horgan wrote in his newspaper column. “I would be more confident if any of the other three home nation coaches were in charge. So I ask myself: is Gatland the weakest link on the tour?” Related: Warren Gatland out to make Lions players...