Future of Lions is not in doubt

KIERAN Read insists the British and Irish Lions’ future is not in doubt, no matter the result in the Test series against New Zealand.

The Lions’ very future came under scrutiny in 2005 when Sir Clive Woodward’s men were whitewashed 3-0 on the last trip to New Zealand.

Sir Ian McGeechan and Warren Gatland have rebuilt the famed touring side’s reputation and standing ever since but rugby’s congested global calendar has continued to threaten the Lions’ place in the world game.

The Lions are continuing to push for extra preparation time in the final weeks leading up to future tours amid tensions over the global schedule to follow the 2019 World Cup.

Back-to-back world champions New Zealand eased past head coach Gatland’s men 30-15 in the first Test and could wrap up the series with a game to spare with victory at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium tomorrow — but All Black Read still believes the 2017 Lions will not be the last to tour New Zealand.

Asked if a tough series for the Lions could jeopardise their future, No 8 forward Read replied: “No. It’s just been exciting being around the country the last couple of weeks.

“It’s been awesome, the Lions are so passionate about the game and I’m sure it will continue.”

Tour captain Sam Warburton will start in the Lions back row for tomorrow’s second Test, replacing Peter O’Mahony who has dropped out of the match day 23.

Read insists the All Blacks will still bid to bully Gatland’s men in the collisions to negate any extra threat from the tourists.

“They’re definitely going to target the breakdown more this week than last. But if we can dominate some ball carries then, hopefully, it nullifies what they’ve got,” he added.