Lions coach takes gamble

BRITISH and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland is clutching at straws by using Ireland’s upset win over the All Blacks as motivation, his opposite number Steve Hansen said.

Unveiling his 41-man touring squad in London, Gatland said yesterday his players took confidence from Ireland’s 40-29 win in Chicago, US, in November, which showed the champions were fallible, like everyone else.

Gatland has selected several players from that match and England’s 38-21 win over the All Blacks in 2012 for their tour to New Zealand in June and July.

He also has Andy Farrell as defence coach, who was part of the backroom staff both times the New Zealanders were defeated.

But Hansen warned his fellow Kiwi, Gatland, not to read too much into the Ireland result, pointing out the All Blacks comfortably won the return fixture 21-9 in Dublin.

“I’m pretty happy that our guys got some confidence beating Ireland in Ireland,” he said.

“You’re clutching at straws if that’s how you are selecting teams. You pick players who can do the job you want them to do and play the style of game you want to play.

“They have enough good players there. I don’t think it’s about picking teams who beat us in Chicago.”

Hansen expressed surprise at England captain Dylan Hartley’s omission from the squad, saying it indicated Gatland was set to use rival England hooker Jamie George as an impact player off the bench.

He said Scotland would feel aggrieved with only two players in the touring side, but that the squad had depth and looked good. – AFP