GAT’S MEN ALL SET FOR FUN AND GAMES

SAM WARBURTON’S Lions are already an improvement on Clive Woodward’s class of 2005, according to All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick. The team Woodward built were thrashed 3-0 on a tour as one-sided on the park as it was joyless off it. Fitzpatrick expects a far closer series this time, what with the squad Warren Gatland (left) has picked and the ethos he has instilled. “The Lions unfortunately didn’t turn up in 2005, but this is quite different,” he said. “This is the best team to leave Britain and Ireland for a long time – arguably ever. “These players have come off a Six Nations which was one of the best I’ve seen in terms of quality. “Had you asked me 12 months ago if they had any chance I’d have said none at all, three-nil. But in the Six Nations I saw a different level of intensity and improved skill sets.” Only time will tell if Warburton (below) and his men can translate that into results, but Fitzpatrick is willing to bet they will have more fun trying.

“Clive got it wrong in ’05,” he said. “It’s hard enough to win matches in New Zealand. If you get it wrong off the field as well you’ve got four-and-a-half million people against you, that’s not much fun. “Locking themselves away, rooming in single rooms, that’s not the way to enjoy yourselves. You’ve got to get that right. “Gats knows what’s needed. His guys will immerse themselves in the culture and enjoy it. As for the rugby, he’s got six games to work out who has the bottle to grunt it out for three weeks in a row against the All Blacks.

“He’s going to need guys who are totally committed, who have got big engines and can go for 80 minutes.

“Even then the Lions will have to take every opportunity and hope the All Blacks are a bit off-colour.”