Gatland looking for the X factor

DAN Cole believes Warren Gatland is scouring his British and Irish Lions squad for the “one %” difference that could sink the All Blacks.

Attack coach Rob Howley insisted the Lions will chase an improvised “rugby chaos” approach as their 10-game New Zealand tour unfolds.

Head coach Gatland has been frustrated with the dredging up of the dated notion of “Warrenball” by All Blacks boss Steve Hansen, and England prop Cole outlined how the Lions will bid to propel their attack to the vanguard of rugby tactics.

“I think the X factor he’s looking for, if you get the basics in place, physicality, looking after the ball, if you get the 99 % right it comes on top of that,” said Cole.

“He’s not just going to ask us to pull something out of the bag. It comes out when you get everything else perfect.

“It’s the one per cent on top that brings that X factor out.

“I don’t think he’s just looking for me to tap and go from my own goalline, put it that way.”

Leicester’s dry-witted tighthead prop will pack down against an Auckland Blues side boasting eight All Blacks in tomorrow’s Eden Park clash.

The Lions are bidding to sharpen up after the lacklustre 13-7 tour-opening victory over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians.

When quizzed on differing rugby styles, Cole was at pains to point out that New Zealand actually utilise many of the physical attacking traits that Hansen has so criticised i n Gatland’s approach.

“Well I’ve been practising my drop-goals,” joked Cole, of Gatland and Howley’s new attacking blueprint.

“But in all seriousness, the quickest line to the tryline is a straight line.

Dan Cole is hoping to provide a spark for the Lions.