GATLAND BLASTS BACK AT CRITICS
Lions coach delighted with win after being ‘written off’
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 threeTest 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 2216 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 remem- ber 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 onto new levels after securing a hugely-important and morale-boosting victory.
The three-Test series against backto-back 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 June 17, 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.”
Lions analysis: Sports pullout