>> Tourists need to get George roaring again
FORMER All Blacks wing John Kirwan says George North can deliver the X-Factor the British & Irish Lions need in their back division.
The Lions have struggled to get going behind the scrum in their three tour clashes to date, but responded to their defeat to Auckland Blues by securing a gutsy 12-3 victory over Crusaders.
In Canterbury, Gatland’s men again wasted at least three try-scoring opportunities with North producing a quiet display.
The tourists will know they’ll have to be more clinical when they take on the All Blacks, but Kirwan believes the Wales giant will ignite Warren Gatland’s side in the three-match Test series.
He told The Rugby Paper: “The pieces of the puzzle are there for the Lions, but their attack isn’t automated. Once that happens, you can start adding some personality.
“The lack of preparation time isn’t an excuse, it’s a reality. I’m not writing them off because I’m a really big fan of George North.
“I think he’s got X-Factor and brings something different to the side. He’s big, strong, and steps at pace. That can be a real threat to New Zealand because it’s just such a potent combination.”
Last week All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said the Lions faced an “impossible task” because of their short amount of preparation time.
Former Blues and Italy coach Kirwan, who knows a thing or two about back play, says his close friend Gatland can still cause a shock against the odds.
“Everyone’s bagging the Lions, but I’m relatively relaxed,” he said. “Warren is a strong character and he knows what he’s doing. Him and I go to the same beach house at Waihi, we have a few beers and talk rugby. He didn’t win in Australia or become one of the most successful coaches in the game for nothing. I think he’s probably got a Test side in mind.”
Kirwan believes the Lions can trouble Hansen’s team, but only if they roll the dice. He added: “What I’ve been seeing is a team which is trying to get their systems in place. They’re going to need some XFactor and they don’t seem to have that yet.
“The two things I think they need to do are work hard individually on understanding their roles within the attack system and then after that, take some risks.
“Against the Blues there were situations when the offload was on, but they didn’t take it. I think that’s the biggest thing and I’m not writing them off. But what we’ve seen from the Lions so far is organisation, and no personality. They can definitely produce it. If they don’t, they’re going to lose.”