Outfought Lions have plans to
Warburton and Itoje come into Gatland’s plans as coach seeks greater physicality from his side for Saturday’s decisive Second Test
FOLLOWING the Lions’ loss to New Zealand in the opening match of their three-Test series against the world champions, there was one undeniable factor: the tourists were overcome physically by their opponents.
This was not something that was predicted. So much expectation was awarded to certain aspects of each side’s game: for the Lions, it was assumed they would have set-piece advantage and some joy getting over the gain line. For the All Blacks, it was anticipated they would throw the ball around like handball stars. However, the Lions were caught on the back paw as the All Black forwards ran around their scrum-half and right at the redshirted defenders, challenging them directly and relishing the hits.
The All Blacks’ 30-15 win at Eden Park on Saturday was built on dominance in contact and quick ball.
Talking in the aftermath of the defeat, Lions head coach Warren Gatland conceded as much before challenging his charges to overcome and adapt, to turn the tables on the All Blacks. He made his point clearly, saying: “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.”
His assistant, Steve Borthwick, echoed Gatland’s sentiments today, saying: “Clearly, we lost too many contacts. That happened and we ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard. That needs to change this weekend. There will be changes in how things are done tactically, I’m sure.”
The Lions management have not shied away from talking about the physical deficit and have also not been irked by questions of selection. Despite Sir Clive Woodward publicly suggesting this week that the First Test was a failing of tactics rather than selection, Gatland has insisted that they “might have to shake it up a little bit”.
The Lions boss name-checked England lock Maro Itoje, praising the 22year-old for making an impact off the bench as he tore into contact. He also gave a boost to tour captain Sam Warburton, saying the Welshman was excellent at finally slowing down All Black ball when he came on at blind- side flanker for match captain Peter O’Mahony.
Before Saturday ’s Second Test, though, tomorrow the Lions have their last midweek game, coming up against the reigning Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes at their Westpac Stadium home — lovingly referred to as the Cake Tin.
There are some selections that may prick up the ears.
Today, Borthwick was asked about Itoje potentially starting the second Test — and in evasive fashion the former England captain discussed the
All 8.35am live on Sky Sports 1 overall options in the second row. There was some praise for George Kruis’s line-out calling. However, the second row also struggled to hold on to the ball in contact. He now sits on the bench against the Hurricanes, despite playing 80 minutes against the All Blacks on Saturday.
Perhaps Borthwick was not just being cryptic in discussing options at second row.
Courtney Lawes has had a good tour, particularly in defensive line-outs, and many would hope he is in the mix against the All Blacks in five days’ time,