Ready to roar

LIONS TOUR: 100 DAYS TO GO

The Lions have become a big ticket item and their tour to New Zealand this winter, which will begin in 100 days, is being touted as a bigger event than the 2011 World Cup. It is a stretch to see it in those terms, but then again, an estimated 30,000 Brits are heading out and by the time tests kick off in late June, it’s expected that Auckland and d Wellington will have been turned. The All Blacks are braced the curious sensation of running out at Eden Park and being jeered by a home crowd that has mo Lions fans than it does Kiwis. But that’s how it has been on the last two Lions tours — to Australia in 2013 and South Africa in 2009 The Lions come, they see and they conquer in terms of taking over v venues. Only occasionally do they conquer on the field, though, in New Zealand, only once. New Zealand has not been a happy hunting ground for the Lions. They have managed towin just one series, in 1971, and as a result of their difficulties, have come to see New Zealand as ultimate testing ground.

It’s a special business as it is for Britain and Ireland’s best player to make the Lions — but to make the Lions when they come to New Zealand, that is the ultimate honour. Beating All Blacks in New Zealand remains the greatest challenge in world rugby and this Lions team are coming fully aware of the history and the quality of the side they will be playing. Coached by the enigmatic Warren Gatland, himself a Kiwi with an ingrained knowledge of what makes his native country tick, the Lions are confident they have a reasonable chance this time. Northern Hemisphere rugby is enjoying a renaissance of sorts — they have skilled players these days and the current Six Nations competition has produced a number of epic encounters. But many teams have come to New Zealand full of hope and confidence only to have their dreams crushed. The Lions may well be a good side, but so too are the All Blacks and a handful of great players such as Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, Ben Smith and Israel Dagg have been waiting a long time for their chance to take on the Lions.