Gatland the RUTHLESS Lions coach drops the Class of 2013
LIONS coach Warren Gatland has taken the biggest gamble of his career by axing his stars of 2013 for Saturday’s opening Test against the All Blacks. Welsh trio Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and George North have all been dropped — the giant wing not even making the bench. Gatland has gone for broke, with dazzling duo Elliot Daly and Liam Williams in the back three as the tourists, who will be captained by Irishman Peter O’Mahony, prepare for all-out attack at Eden Park. As expected, there are no Scots involved in the Test squad. ‘To beat the All Blacks, you have to be courageous and play some rugby. You have to score tries — and I think we have picked a team capable of doing that,’ said Gatland. ‘We have picked a side based on form with a lot of players putting their hands up, especially from the Crusaders and Maori All Blacks games, and it was a
lively selection meeting. Elliot has been very accurate in the way he has played and we saw some excellent attacking from Liam on Tuesday. Peter captained the side against the Maori All Blacks and has done a good job.’
England dominate the starting XV with seven players, although lock Maro Itoje has only made the replacements as Gatland puts his faith in experienced Welshman Alun Wyn Jones.
Rookie Ben Te’o and hooker Jamie George both get the nod — despite having one England start between them — and Owen Farrell has recovered from a thigh injury to wear the No 10 jersey.
Having skippered the Lions to victory in Australia four years ago, Warburton becomes the first Tour captain to miss the first Test in 87 years, as Irishman Sean O’Brien takes over at openside flanker.
‘We have continuously been strong at the set-piece and have been good defensively in the last two or three outings,’ said Gatland. ‘We are excited about the 15, but also the very strong and experienced bench.’
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has also gambled by dropping winger Julian Savea, who has scored 46 tries in 53 Tests, for 20-year-old Rieko Ioane.
‘Rieko’s outstanding form throughout the season, including against the Lions, has earned him his start on the wing,’ said Hansen.
Kieran Read returns to captain the world champions, with Ryan Crotty also back from injury to partner Sonny Bill Williams in the centre.
The Kiwi backline will be orchestrated by World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett, who will win his 51st cap, outside Aaron Smith at scrum-half.
‘There’s a real understanding that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’ added Hansen. ‘The players are well aware of the history of the All Blacks and the Lions and are determined to respect that history with their performances. ‘We know this is a very good British and Irish Lions team; probably one of the best to have toured here.
‘It will be a battle of contrasting styles, which makes it an intriguing Test to prepare for and to be part of. ‘We know the importance of this match and we will bring real energy and intensity. It’ll be a physical test but, just as importantly, it will be a mental test.’