SHUTITEDDIE

Laidlaw tells England boss Jones to mind his own business after he criticises Lions chief Gatland’s coaching prowess

GREIG LAIDLAW last night told Eddie Jones to butt out as he defended British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland’s style.

The England boss has warned the Lions could come unstuck on the New Zealand tour if they mimic Wales’ playing style.

But 31-year-old Scotland scrum-half Laidlaw believes the 2017 Lions will build their own approach under series-winning boss Gatland.

He said: “What happens with national sides is not so relevant here now.

“Warren won the last Test series with the Lions, that’s a record that stands up, and that’s what he’s measured on. That’s credit to him.

“And Eddie can say what he likes because he’s not sat in the hotseat is he? He’s got other things to worry about.”

Jones said he felt the Lions would be “looking to attack like Wales” and would “struggle to beat the All Blacks like that” earlier this week.

He also questioned Gatland’s squad selection and tactics but Laidlaw offered a staunch defence of his credentials.

The Clermont-bound halfback believes the 2013 series win in Australia shows the Wales manager’s Lions prowess.

Laidlaw, a late call-up to replace Ben Youngs who withdrew after his sister-in-law’s diagnosis of terminal cancer, said: “Warren’s coaching style is very strong, very detailed.

“He knows a fair bit about this part of the world which is key for us coming down here. His experience will help the team. He’s made a strong impression on the group already.

“Defence is going to be a huge challenge for us. You can’t ship too many points because all New Zealand teams love to play that high-tempo game.

“So in defence we need to get numbers on feet and make good one-on-one tackles.”

Laidlaw’s former Scotland boss Vern Cotter has already tipped him as an ideal midweek captain for the Lions as they bid for a first series win in New Zealand since 1971.

But the scrum-half is focused on proving his worth to the team and said: “Whenever I’m given a chance it’s up to me to show what I’m all about and bring my strengths to the table.

“It’s good for me to be in the camp and I try to add value to the group where I can.

“So if and when I’m given an opportunity that’s what I’ll be aiming to do and give my best towards a team performance.”