Surgery won’t ease Lions’ pain

THE legacy of the Lions class of 2005 will be shaped by tomorrow’s 80 minutes of rugby.

After the collapse in Christchurch, this revamped side have been charged with a massive responsibility. The aura surrounding Lions rugby has been questioned, so it is incumbent on the players selected to display the passion and character that was strangely absent last weekend. Even then, it probably won’t be enough.

Given the planning and preparation that went into the opening Test, it is incredible that only four players start in the same positions as last weekend. Even Clive Woodward has admitted he “may have” got the selection wrong.