Lions roar into life at long last
WARREN Gatland hit back at his critics after the British and Irish Lions ground past the Crusaders 12-3 to ignite their New Zealand tour.
Head coach Gatland joked “I hope we didn’t disappoint too many people” in the wake of the Lions’ punishing victory in Christchurch that adds a new level of intrigue to the three-Test series against New Zealand.
All Blacks boss Steve Hansen criticised the Lions’ difficult schedule and their commercial responsibilities, while England coach Eddie Jones claimed the tourists would lose the Test series if they play like Gatland’s Wales.
Gatland had been left fuming at the unwelcome outside critiques that only increased after Wednesday’s 22-16 loss to the Blues – but used victory over the Crusaders as a stick with which to beat his detractors.
“It’s been a tough week, it’s been a really tough week; there’s been a lot of criticism,” said Gatland.
“People have written the tour off already after two games.
“And that’s been challenging. It’s been challenging to all of us.
“We’ve had to stay strong within the group, keep the faith and remember that the goal is the Test matches, and keep improving for that.
“So I hope we didn’t disappoint too many people tonight with the result.”
Gatland even claimed he had been purposely singled out for criticism, as he vented frustrations over reactions to the Lions’ early tour exploits.
“I have been hammered by the New Zealand media, so it has been a targeted campaign against me personally,” Gatland told talkSPORT.
“That is part of coaching at the highest level and we know you have got to be able to handle those sorts of things and handle that pressure.
“And sometimes that brings out the best in me as a competitor in sport.”
Runaway leaders the Crusaders boast 14 consecutive wins in Super Rugby, averaging 37 points a match – but the Lions drilled Scott Robertson’s side into submission in a potent showing in Canterbury.
Gatland believes the Lions can now push their tour on to new levels after securing a hugely important and morale-boosting victory.
The three-Test series against back-toback world champions New Zealand starts on June 24, and this Crusaders clash had been dubbed the unofficial fourth Test.
The Lions came through with flying colours, silencing critics and doubters, with Owen Farrell starring at both fly-half and inside centre.
Stuart Hogg and Jonathan Davies failed head injury assessments (HIAs) for the Lions, with Gatland admitting both backs now face a race against time to be ready to take on the Maori All Blacks.
The Lions face the Maori on Saturday, a clash in which Gatland has already admitted he could well field a starting line-up that would closely resemble his Test XV.
Captain Sam Warburton has been carrying an ankle issue but Gatland said the Wales flanker should be ready to face the Highlanders on Tuesday night.
“Stuart Hogg’s got quite a nasty bruise on his eye and cut there, and both he and Jonathan failed HIAs,” said Gatland. “So it’s going to be six days for the return to play for them. “And they’ll just go through the protocols. “Stuart had been training well, we were trying to get the ball in his hands. “For that to happen, he’s caught Conor Murray’s elbow, that was a bit unlucky in that situation. “And he was looking dangerous, on outside breaks and things. “So we’ll hope he can be back for the Maori game next week. “It’s just a question now of how much training we can get under their belt because they will have to stay away from contact. “We’ll play that by ear and see how it goes. “We will probably give Sam (Warburton) a run on Tuesday. He needs some game time as well. We’ve laid a marker down tonight, and it’s a big challenge for the boys who will now face the Highlanders.”
Crusaders boss Robertson hailed the Lions’ grit but insisted the All Blacks will still know what to expect from Gatland’s side.
Asked if he learned anything new from the Lions’ performance, Robertson said: “No.
“They just found a way to win. They played a way we’re not so used to in Super Rugby.
“They are going to get better for that game.
“We thought they were going to play that way and that’s exactly how they did play.
“Steve (Hansen) will know that. And he’ll look hard at them, their kick-chase and things like that.
“Conor Murray is world class at box kicking and was very strong there.”