Gatland: Let rugby do talking

WARREN Gatland has called for an end to any “trash talking” heading into the British and Irish Lions’ first Test against New Zealand.

Steve Hansen has criticised the Lions’ playing style, their punishing schedule and even attempted to predict the tourists’ Test line-ups, while Gatland bit back by insisting the All Blacks boss was “worried”.

Lions head coach Gatland j oked “that’s a nice place to be in” when responding to suggestions he may have got up Hansen’s nose, a h e a d o f S a t u rd ay ’s Auckland opener.

But he also vowed not to let his players be goaded into deserting the suffocating tactics that have underpinned their potent wins over t he Crusaders, Maori All Blacks and Chiefs.

“It’s not about me at all, this is about the Lions and this group of players,” said Gatland.

“It’s not about trying to get one-up on anyone, or me coming home.

“I’m not worried about Steve (Hansen), he can say whatever he likes. If I’m getting up his nose that’s a nice position to be in!

“We’ve got ourselves to prepare, we know i t ’s going to be a tough encounter. Let’s let the rugby do the talking because t here’s been enough trash talking already. So let’s get excited about what could be a fantastic series. A couple of sideline things have taken the focus away from that.”

Peter O’Mahony will captain the Lions in Saturday’s Test series opener, with tour skipper Sam Warburton taking a seat on the bench.

Warren Gatland