GATLAND’S MEN MAKE A SPLASH
THE LIONS had to endure what was being called a ‘ weather- bomb’ yesterday on their road trip from Auckland, as monsoon downpours have led to flash floods in this northern region, but today’s opening tour match should still go ahead as planned.
Warren Gatland’s squad split up after training in Albany for a two-hour drive which presented an opportunity to launch a major charm offensive, with an array of community visits by players and staff.
The head coach has urged his players to immerse themselves in New Zealand culture while here and their tasks yesterday ranged from engaging with school pupils to finding the best Kiwi pies and buying local souvenirs. A leisure centre hall on the outskirts of Whangarei has been hired by the Lions for walk-throughs by the match-day squad today and for fitness training by those not in the 23 for the opening fixture against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians. Indoor facilities will be vital with more torrential rain forecast — meaning the likelihood of appalling conditions which could scupper the tourists’ attempt to surprise the public here with their attacking ambition. Officials insisted that there is no threat of today’s contest being cancelled as the Toll Stadium pitch drainage system appeared to be coping well. Every step of this trip represents a substantial logistical undertaking. Tomorrow, the Lions will head further north to the historic site of Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a Maori welcome ceremony, before returning to Auckland to begin preparations for the clash with the Blues on Wednesday.
Instead of driving back, all players and staff — close to 90 personnel in total — will board two chartered planes for a short flight.
There will be no respite. Once back in New Zealand’s biggest city there will be meetings at the squad hotel before Gatland and his assistants name their team the next day for the match with the Blues — the Super Rugby side who will have just returned from a game in Apia, capital of Samoa.
By then, the Lions coaches will hope for positive updates on the two early-tour casualties, Ken Owens and Jared Payne. They cannot carry passengers for too long.