O’Brien ‘had a point’ on Lions’ preparation
Warren Gatland has conceded that flanker Sean O’Brien had a point when criticising the British and Irish Lions’ coaching staff for ‘‘overtraining’’ the players in the weeks before the first and third All Blacks tests.
O’Brien, one the Lions’ best players on their tour of New Zealand, told Irish radio that coaches ‘‘were panicking’’ about getting information across to the players, who had ‘‘heavy legs’’ just days before facing the All Blacks at Eden Park.
The All Blacks won the first test 30-15 before the Lions levelled the three-match series by winning the second test (24-21) and drawing the decider (15-15).
Lions coach Gatland told
yesterday he was more disappointed in himself after revealing the Lions didn’t have any days off before the first test - except on days when their touring party was travelling.
‘‘We were a bit heavy-legged as a result of that,’’ Gatland told Radio Sport.
‘‘I was more disappointed in myself and I mentioned that after the second test.
‘‘As a coach I pride myself on preparing teams so reflecting back that may have been the case so I understand the comments that Sean made, particularly on the preparation for the first test.’’
However, Gatland couldn’t understand O’Brien’s comments saying the tourists should have won the series 3-0. ‘‘I thought he was a little bit disrespectful to the All Blacks by saying we would win 3-0.’’
Gatland said he was disgusted by some of the attacks in the New Zealand media, highlighting the way his son Bryn was singled out as a weak link ahead of the tour opener against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in Whangarei.
Gatland is contracted to coach Wales through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup. After that he plans to take a six-month break before trying to find a coaching job in New Zealand with a Super franchise, or another position overseas.
His aspirations to coach the All Blacks would depend on what jobs were available.
‘‘If there is an opportunity to get involved in Super Rugby and you are successful, other things open up for you. I promise you, there is not a strategy in place to coach the All Blacks.’’