Tourists’ conditioning expert reckons time away from rugby will refresh the parts another gym session cannot reach before the decider against the All BlacksIt is at times like this, with a major Test series poised at 1-1 before a decisive finale, that top-level coaches earn their money. On the one hand the British & Irish Lions need no extra motivation for the biggest game of their lives, on the other they must take the field on Saturday with precisely the right mindset. It is part art, part science, particularly in the final week of an 11-month season.Some head coaches, on the eve of a “cup final”, like to trust in the months of hard training their players have already banked...
Steve Hansen, New Zealand’s coach, has plenty of potential replacements for the suspended centre for the third Test against the British & Irish LionsNot long after Warren Gatland had named his British & Irish Lions squad in April Steve Hansen warned his compatriot against trying to replicate Ireland’s method of victory against the All Blacks in Chicago. It will be intriguing to hear if Gatland has any words of wisdom for his rival this week; to hear what he may think of New Zealand looking to bounce back from defeat in the same manner as against Ireland, a couple of weeks later in Dublin.This is not least because the suspension of Sonny Bill Williams means there is every chance Malakai...
The days of New Zealand going into mourning after any defeat are over – they see it as a chance for their team to grow and to come back strongerTwenty-three All Blacks woke with the strangest feelings on Sunday morning. It was not their aching bodies, the sprains, strains, and bruises, stiff shoulders, throbbing legs, sore chests – all that was familiar enough. They expect nothing less after a Test. But another, more novel, sensation, altogether more painful. Defeat.Their captain, Kieran Read, is about to play his 100th game. In the past 99, he has experienced this 11 times. His mate Sam Whitelock, who has won more caps at lock than any other All Black, has lost seven. Beauden Barrett,...
Warren Gatland’s men embraced the weather, played what was in front of them and dominated the breakdown to turn the tables on New ZealandThe turning point was not so much the sending-off of Sonny Bill Williams but the yellow card Mako Vunipola received 15 minutes into the second half, when New Zealand had taken control. The Lions had struggled with a man advantage, failing to take the initiative, but when it was 14 versus 14 they started playing like the All Blacks, scenting weakness and moving in for the kill. Related: Mako Vunipola’s let off allows Lions to edge past ferocious All Blacks | Andy Bull Related: New Zealand 21-24 British & Irish Lions: second Test player ratings Continue reading...
The selection of both Owen Farrell and Johnny Sexton signal positive intent from the Lions head coach and we can expect a more assertive approach in WellingtonThis has already proved an eventful British & Irish Lions tour in all kinds of ways but the most gripping 80 minutes may still be to come. If Warren Gatland’s team-sheet for the second Test carries no guarantee of success there is at least a genuine can-do feel about it. Gatland has clearly promised himself that, whatever transpires, he will give this series a real go.And, glory be, the 2017 Lions are going for it on Saturday. By pairing Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell at 10 and 12 they have sent the plainest of...