Notes and quotes
And Mains believes that Lions boss Clive Woodward faces “more questions than answers” as he contemplates his line-up for Saturday’s first Test in Christchurch.
“The brutal reality is his (Woodward’s) team have done nothing in the first five games of the tour for me to rethink my 3-0 ‘blackwash’ prediction,” said Mains. “In fact, the Lions have been more disappointing than I first thought - and that’s saying something. They are one-dimensional. They play a pressure game and look to score off mistakes. That is Woodward’s game plan in a nutshell.
“The only part of their game to impress is their defence. They want teams to run at them in their own half so they can force mistakes. They will play territory, and then, with their strong defence, they will try to force Tana Umaga’s side into mistakes.
“Nothing else in their game is significant. They tried to move the ball against Wellington and Otago, but a lack of skill and innovation cost them tries.
“Tries won’t be on the mind of the Lions at Jade Stadium on Saturday. Jonny Wilkinson’s drop-goal attempt in the first 20 seconds at Wellington confirmed their desperation to get points every time they are in the opposition’s 22.
“No doubt, Woodward has dreamt a first Test win. The only certainty we know is that the Lions’ score will be divisible by three! The All Blacks also have something the Lions don’t - confidence.”
JPR WILLIAMS believes Clive Woodward has already made crucial errors that could cost the tourists a series win over New Zealand.
“When the Lions beat the All Blacks in 1971 the players were all in on Carwyn James’ master plan ... but I feel for the Lions under Woodward because he has clearly already made some crucial errors as we lead into the first Test.”
Williams said the decision to have a huge number of players in New Zealand would “come back to haunt” Woodward and that because of the need to give everyone a game theLions were in a “ridiculous scenario” that could cost them the series.
“A week out from the first Test and we have yet to see the team play with any pattern. The only certainty is that the Test team will be stacked full of Englishmen.
“I don’t rate any of the England second-rowers. But one or two will make the side. The back row will be England. And, of course, Wilkinson will get the nod ahead of Stephen Jones. So much for Wales’ Six Nations win.”
WOODWARD has reaffirmed his decision to quit rugby union at the end of the tour of New Zealand.
Woodward will switch to football and become Southampton’s director of football on August 1.
“I have been given an opportunity to work in another sport, not in a high-profile position but behind the scenes, which gives me time to look at another sport and also develop as a coach.
“I do it with regret because I didn’t want to leave the RFU but I had no choice because they were clearly not going down the path I thought we needed to go to remain successful.”
THE Lions coach heaped praise on the Welsh contingent in his bumper Lions squad - and predicted more glory for Mike Ruddock’s Grand Slam stars.
Woodward also revealed there would be a “strong Welsh representation” in his team for the first Test against New Zealand next Saturday, although that will not includesurprise omission Gavin Henson.
Wing Gareth Thomas, scrum-half Dwayne Peel and prop Gethin Jenkins appear safe bets to face the All Blacks when Woodward announces the side on Wednesday.
But number eight Ryan Jones, who was not even in New Zealand a week ago, having been overlooked by Woodward for the original 45-man tour party, and wing Shane Williams added their names to the mix with outstanding displays during an impressive 30-19 victory over Otago yesterday.
“I saw them operate behind the scenes at their training base last November, and they are doing some fantastic things,” he said.
“Mike Ruddock is setting up something pretty special, and I wasn’t surprised they won the Grand Slam. Their second-half performance against France in Paris was probably one of the best-ever.
“To a man, these guys are fantastic to work with. They are just so professional, and all very focused young men. I don’t think that Grand Slam was a one-off - they’re setting some high standards.”
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