Lions on song ahead of ‘cracking’ All Blacks Tests
auckland — The British and Irish Lions arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday predicting a “cracking” series against the world champion All Blacks and hoping to avoid the controversies that marred their disastrous last tour 12 years ago.
Tattooed Maori warriors performed a haka to greet the composite team of elite players from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, marking the start of the nearly sixweek tour.
The players then surprised their hosts by performing a stirring rendition of the Welsh hymn “Calon Lan”, in a response that won over the New Zealand public and media. Coach Warren Gatland said it was a sign of respect and showed the Lions — who have won only one Test series against the All Blacks in more than a century — were determined not to repeat the mistakes of their last visit in 2005.
That tour ended in acrimony and a 3-0 “Blackwash” for the hosts as the Lions succumbed to in-fighting, intense pressure and a string of high-profile injuries. “We’re well aware that there’s a bit of bridgebuilding to do from 2005,” said Gatland, who is a New Zealander himself and earned 17 All Blacks caps from 1988 to 1991.
“If we can win some hearts and minds off the field and play some good rugby, then hopefully we’re going to end up with a cracking tour.” Gatland, who has described the New Zealand tour as the “ultimate challenge”, said he wanted to avoid offfield distractions. “I don’t think any of us want any controversy to get in the way of what could potentially be a great Test series, let’s get excited about that,” he said.
The Lions face a gruelling 10-match schedule that includes three Tests and seven tour matches against New Zealand’s top rugby teams. Former All Blacks and Lions coach Graham Henry has branded the itinerary “suicidal”, saying the Lions could be weakened by injury before the All Blacks tie.