SHOW MORE PRIDE

Gatland’s on a collision course

WARREN GATLAND has called on his Lions to show more pride following their First Test defeat to the All Blacks.

For a coach whose reputation has been built on physical power, the sight of a Lions pack in retreat during the 30-15 defeat at Eden Park on Saturday must have hurt.

It is five days before the tourists lock horns with the world champions again but as the circus moved to Wellington yesterday the fires were already being stoked for the rematch.

“There were lots of things that we did really well,” said Gatland. “The disappointing thing is we were dominated in the collisions, in attack and defence. It was as simple as that and we need to improve on that.

“If I was playing on Saturday night and I felt that I was physically dominated, I’d be a little bit disappointed in myself and I’d be doing everything I could physically do the following week to make sure I fixed that area of the game.

“If I felt my pride was hurt a little bit, I’d be wanting to fix that. That’s what I’d be doing.

“If you’ve played at the top level, you know when that area hasn’t been right and sometimes it’s mindset. You do whatever it takes for the following week to make sure you change that and turn it around and fix it.

“That’s what you do and I’m sure that’s what these players will be focused on this week, and as coaches we’ll be focused on it as well.”

Reaction

It sounds as if the Lions will be asked to find a level of controlled fury which earns the All Blacks’ respect.

If they are going down in this series, as all logic suggests they will, it has to be with heads held high.

“Going down 1-0 early on in the series, we’re under the pump, we’re in a position where we have to go out and win this game,” said prop Joe Marler (right).

“We don’t want to go into that final week having lost the series. You’ll see a reaction this week,”

There is acceptable physical confrontation and unacceptable, of course, and the Lions have to stay on the right side of the line.

Gatland accused the All Blacks of crossing it in their targeting of scrumhalf Conor Murray at Eden Park.

The Kiwi now intends raising the All Blacks’ approach with the match officials ahead of the Second Test.

“There were a couple of times where he’s kicked and they’ve just pushed him to the ground,” said Gatland.

“If someone pushes him afterwards, that’s fine, but diving at his leg… it’s just a safety issue for me.”

The Lions are hoping for more protection for Murray from France’s Jerome Garces, who will referee Saturday’s game.

“We’ve been happy with the French referees,” said Gatland.

“The good thing is that they don’t speak English, so they’re probably not so influenced by the media.”