Gatland to snub the ‘70s Lions legends

WARREN Gatland says the Lions will not turn to the heroes of 1971 to provide inspiration for the New Zealand series – because messages from those involved that long ago will ‘go over the players’ heads.’

Gatland believes delving back in time to the legendary first Lions win on Kiwi soil 46 years ago will have little impact on the class of 2017.

But he does think he can use England’s 2003 World Cup-winning side to help the Lions prepare this summer’s daunting assignment against the world champions.

Gatland also pointed to the English victory against the All Blacks on the summer tour of 2033 as relevant and could invite the likes of Martin Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio to address his charges.

“I wouldn’t go as far back as 1971. The thing about modernday players is that they’re told about the past, but it doesn’t have any bearing or significance,” Gatland said.

“Players are about the here and now, so you have to be careful how far back you go because they’re just not interested. That’s the way it is.

“There are a couple of people who we may involve at some stage. To me, what was quite significant was England beating the All Blacks in 2003 before they won the World Cup. That was significant.

“England were a better team in 2002 than they were in 2003. At one stage they were down to 13 men but repelled the All Blacks at a scrum close to the line.

“That’s as far back as I’d go in terms of bringing in a few voices or people to talk about their experiences. In the past we used players from 1971 and 1974, but it went over the players’ heads.”

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