Gatland: My boys set to provide X-factor
Dollman debut is KO’d by knee injury
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WARREN GATLAND has hit back at critics of his playing style.
And the Lions coach insists his side are ready to produce some offthe-cuff magic to give themselves a chance against the All Blacks.
Gatland responded to opposite number Steve Hansen, who said he didn’t expect his compatriot to stray from the physical approach he has always used as a coach.
Gatland has named an entirely new starting XV to take on the Blues at Eden Park tomorrow, when he is looking for his side to find their feet after a scrappy 13-7 opening win over the NZ Provincial Barbarians.
“I think, in a way, there’s an opportunity for people to want to be critical,” he said.
“We experienced that four years ago (when winning the series in Australia) where people decided to be critical and a lot of people got caught with their pants down afterwards, didn’t they?
“We didn’t play so well against the Barbarians on Saturday and it gives ®
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“So hopefully we can show that on Wednesday and the players can perform to what they are being encouraged by the coaches to do.”
Gatland was clearly annoyed by the latest dig, adding: “When did that way (his perceived coaching style) start? You don’t know the answer to that, do you?
“I kind of look and say, ‘Did that start when we were successful at Wasps, or was that when I was coaching Waikato to the Air New Zealand Cup, or when did a certain style change?’.
“If you can tell me the answer, I can potentially give you an answer.”
Ken Owens will captain the Lions tomorrow after admitting he was worried an ankle injury might have cost him his place on the tour.
The Wales hooker said: “It was a massive worry. I had a nervous 72 hours.”