Lions will roar despite England slump

NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry has been surprised by England’s recent poor form but rejected suggestions the British & Irish Lions will be any weaker because of it.

Less than two years ago, a Lions Test XV would have been built around a core of Englishmen, but a combination of injuries and retirements has seen the world champions slump to sixth in the rankings.

And with Wales and Ireland setting the pace in the RBS 6 Nations and the likes of Jonny Wilkinson, Richard Hill and Mike Tindall struggling to be fit for the tour, Henry still expects Clive Woodward’s 44-strong Lions squad to be a formidable unit.