‘Simmering’ Lions aim to upset odds

WARREN GATLAND’S Lions are ‘hurt’ and ‘simmering’ ahead of today’s do-or-die second Test against the All Blacks, having been written off as long-shot outsiders. Gatland’s British and Irish squad are striving to keep the series alive after their defeat in Auckland seven days ago, but the bookmakers have New Zealand as firm favourites — with odds of 5-1 against a Lions victory. Unperturbed by the expectations that they will be unable to live with the world champions in this morning’s encounter, the tourists were bullish about their chances. ‘The underdog has always had his day, hasn’t he?’ said defence coach Andy Farrell. ‘I certainly wouldn’t back against us. We’re playing the

best team in the world in their own backyard. They’re 1-0 up and we need to win. It doesn’t get any bigger than that, does it? We’ll see what we’re made of. ‘I wouldn’t say I’m relaxed because I’m simmering myself, but there’s an air of confidence in the way we’ve prepared. ‘We’ve been honest about what it is going to have to take to win the game. There’s a sense of excitement to see how well we can play.’ After the 30-15 loss at Eden Park last weekend, Gatland questioned the pride of his players, who had been overpowered by the hosts in a route-one onslaught.

The message has been taken on board and the chosen men are determined to make amends. There is an expectation that the Lions will produce far greater intensity and aggression this time. ‘There’s a simmering mood,’ said Farrell. ‘It’s about character this week for us. It’s about manning up and putting everything on the line. It’s do-or-die for us. ‘These guys are a little bit hurt about the manner in which last week’s game went. We’ll see what we are made of this week. ‘It has a sense of the third Test four years ago. There is a realisation about what is at stake. We have to make sure we get the balance right and make sure we don’t overplay the emotional card. We have to be smart rugby players as well. ‘You can tip people over the edge and not let them be the rugby player they are, so you have to be cute about it. ‘You have to be careful you don’t overdo it and cloud what needs to be done. We need to see a reaction but you don’t just win the game by being raging mad.’ Meanwhile, the Lions have been warned not to treat their four-day camp in Queenstown as a ‘stag do’ after the 2011 dwarf-tossing controversy that haunted the England team there six years ago. Gatland’s squad will spend three nights in the infamous ski resort where England’s 2011 World Cup was derailed by a series of photos emerging from a local nightclub. Lions CEO John Feehan has supported the decision to hold the mini-camp, but revealed the management have selected an out-of-town base to avoid a repeat of previous controversies. ‘Win, lose or draw on Saturday, it’s a chance for the players to de-stress and get a bit of headspace,’ said Feehan. ‘The coaches feel this is the right thing to do. The players were told at the start what’s expected. You loosen the reins according to what is required. They can have a night or two to unwind a wee bit, but not a stag do, ahead of the final Test.’