We WILL rise to the occasion
ITOJE WARNS ALL BLACKS: WE’RE NOT HERE TO PLAY SECOND FIDDLE
MARO ITOJE warned of a backlash heading New Zealand’s way as the All Blacks’ boss Steve Hansen demanded an end to the goading of Warren Gatland.
Itoje marked his promotion to the Lions’ starting line-up by revealing the new attitude that the tourists vow to bring to tomorrow’s middle Test.
“We haven’t come here to be second-best, to play second fiddle,” said the England lock. “We’re going out to do a job and get the result we want.”
Itoje, 22, is the youngest Lion on tour and thus, tradition dictates, he must carry the soft-toy tour mascot BIL around with him.
But tomorrow’s game is no joking matter – a fact reflected in Itoje’s absolute determination to send the series to a deciding weekend.
“We need to improve in the contact, the physicality, we’ve got to switch on and be sharp for the whole game,” said Itoje. “It’s about upping the physicality around the breakdown, blasting men past the ball and making sure the ball-carrier does his job there.”
Itoje’s tone matched that of Gatland, who said: “We know that the series is on the line. The players have spoken about it being the biggest match of their careers.” The Lions boss has had a forgettable week, failing to win two games, being blasted for his bench tactics and being portrayed as a clown in the local media.
Hansen clearly sees the danger posed by a wounded Lion and called for an immediate end to the “ridiculing” of his counterpart.
“Look, with a little bit more luck the Lions could easily have won the last Test match,” he said.
“They know that, and they will be coming here with a do-or-die attitude.
“We’ve got a talented side and if we prepare well, we are hard to beat.
“But they are no different, they’ve also got plenty of good players.
“Quality teams don’t lie down. They will come with everything they’ve got, so we need to front up. It’s all hands to the pump. We have to be on song if we are to win this game.”