LIONS ARE FIGHTING FITZ NOW
WARREN GATLAND’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 tour but Fitzpatrick expects a far closer series this time.
He said: “The Lions unfortunately didn’t turn up in 2005 but this is quite different. 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, 3-0. But in the Six Nations I saw a different level of intensity and improved skill sets.”
Former All Blacks skipper Fitzpatrick, 53, insists Woodward tamed the Lions by stopping them having a good time on tour.
He said: “Clive got it wrong in 2005. It’s hard enough to win matches in New Zealand. If you get it wrong off the field as well having 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 have to get that right.
“Warren Gatland knows what’s needed. His guys will immerse themselves in the culture and enjoy it.
“As for the rugby, he has 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 big engines and can go for 80 minutes.
“Even then the Lions will have to take every chance and hope the All Blacks are just a little bit off-colour.”
Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones has defended the team’s punishing schedule.
Outside voices have lined up to criticise the 10-match touring plan, with All Blacks coach Steve Hansen claiming he would never have accepted it.
Former Lions coach Sir Graham Henry also dubbed the schedule “suicidal”.
The Lions open the tour against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians today.
Wales star Jones said: “People will always have their opinions but it’s not supposed to be easy when you come down here. It’s a case of getting down to it.”
Jones is ready for the first match and added: “You can see how much it means because players only have one chance in 12 years to go up against the Lions.
“The opponents, their players grow two inches, grow an extra arm and leg because they have an opportunity they know they may never get again.”