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.

Selection for the first Test was based on performance in this year’s Six Nations and the previous World Cup. It simply didn’t work. This time round the criteria has been form on tour. In this respect, Simon Easterby and Ryan Jones have won favour despite being called out as additional players.

One hopes there will also be a change in the way the Lions tackles this game. The tactical approach for the opening Test was to suffocate the All Blacks up front, play field position, kick the points and rely on an impregnable defence. You will never beat New Zealand that way. At least Woodward’s latest combination looks set to attack their hosts.

The inclusion of four of the Welsh Grand Slam winning backline will infuse confidence and a desire to run at the opposition. It is vital therefore that the Lions compete up front. In this respect, Steve Thompson and Donncha O’Callaghan have been drafted in to improve the set-piece. Given the catastrophic nature of the line-out last Saturday, there is huge pressure on Thompson to deliver on the throwing front. The inclusion of Jones, Easterby and Lewis Moody will also offer more variety in terms of ball winners. The Lions now have a marked height advantage at the tail of the line-out. Thompson must have the confidence to avail of this.

With weeks to prepare for the opening test, the Lions’ line-out badly malfunctioned in Christchurch. The revelation that the calls were changed on the eve of the Test was extraordinary. With even less time to work together, there is severe pressure on forwards’ coach Andy Robinson to produce quality ball.

Thankfully, the decision to opt for two out-halves in midfield has been abandoned. Restored to more familiar surroundings, Jonny Wilkinson now has the opportunity to run the game. Once again, we see a new centre combination playing together for the first time on tour. Given that the Lions selected six centres in the tour party (seven if you include Shane Horgan), it is incredible that an out-half and a winger have now been named in one of the centre positions for the Test series. While Gareth Thomas won many of his early caps in midfield, the majority of his representative rugby has been played on the wing or full-back.

One of the reasons cited by defence coach Mike Ford for the omission of Gavin Henson for the opening Test was his inability to adapt to the Irish and English defensive system the Lions have been implementing. With three Welsh players in the three quarters, it will be interesting to see how the collective defence copes. The addition of Henson and Shane Williams will certainly add some attacking flair and the confidence that Williams exudes can rub off on those around him.

The most dramatic surgery has taken place in the back row. Richard Hill is injured and Martin Corry has been relegated to the bench. While I am an admirer of Lewis Moody, I worry about his ability to compete on the floor against Richie McCaw. He is not an openside in the traditional mode and Neil Back may have been omitted too hastily.

WHILE Woodward has been forced to dramatically alter his line-up, Graham Henry has done so in totally different circumstances. With the weather conditions that prevailed in Christchurch, Henry got his selection spot-on. The inclusion of Leon McDonald at full-back and Justin Marshall at scrum half were tailor-made for the weather. Any degree of complacency which, even subconsciously, may have entered the minds of the All Blacks have been removed by restructuring a winning side. This team has been picked to run. Bryan Kelleher will provide a smoother service for Daniel Carter, who had six kicks blocked down last Saturday.

Mils Muliaina and Rico Gear will also offer an even greater threat out wide than last weekend. Should the All Blacks pack produce anything near the quality of ball they won in Christchurch, this backline could wreak havoc. The re-introduction of Ma’a Nonu on the bench has further increased their attacking options.

With the experience gained with the Lions in Australia four years ago, Henry will know from bitter experience the necessity to close the deal with a victory in the second Test. He will be desperate to finish the series tomorrow.

On the other hand, the Lions know that defeat will finish what to date has been a disappointing tour. A victory would represent one of the most remarkable u-turns in modern times. It has been done before, in 1989 when history was made by losing the opening test and going on to win the series. Also in New Zealand in 1993 the Lions squared the series after an opening test defeat. Tomorrow Woodward faces the greatest test of his coaching career. It is also a huge day for Robinson and Eddie O’Sullivan.

In the opening Test, the Lions displayed a lack of familiarity and cohesion that was ruthlessly exploited. With just three days of preparation, this selection looks even more exposed. One can’t escape the feeling that the storm which engulfed Christchurch last weekend deprived New Zealand of an even more comprehensive victory. In their mind, the spin the Lions PR machine generated about the Brian O’Driscoll affair detracted from the magnificence of their performance. They seem even more determined this week to set the record straight. It could prove another painful experience for the Lions.