Star-studded Auckland will test resolve of midweek Lions
Auckland coach and former Northampton star Pat Lam had the luxury of naming three Junior All Blacks in his starting line-up, including wing wizard Joe Rokocoko, deemed surplus to requirements for the Test series but more than capable of undoing coach Ian McGeechan’s unbeaten record with the midweek side.
Last Tuesday, the Lions went to Palmerston North to get their tour back on track following a demoralising Test defeat in Christchurch and racked up a century of points against Manawatu. No-one is expecting a repeat scoreline against Auckland, although McGeechan is highly aware the beneficial effects a good performance can have on the Test squad.
“The most important thing for us is that we have a very good week on and off the field,” said the Scotsman.
“That’s the focus because we can finish this tour very strongly. The feeling generally throughout the whole squad is that is what we want to do.
“We are all agreed that we all saw an outstanding rugby performance, and we have to give credit to the All Blacks in the way they played. They make very few unforced errors, but they also play with an ambition and pace which we have to match.
“The exciting thing for us is that we have another chance in that environment, which we shouldn’t be frightened of, but look forward to. It is important for our players going forward that they raise their standards.
“You have disappointments on most tours, and I’d admit I would much rather be 2-0 up after two. There is disappointment but the players were out training again this morning.
“There are still the characters standing up in the bus coming back to bring up little issues. The spirit within is very good, and very determined.
“You won’t see any players going off tour this week, I can assure you. They are just not like that. That is what has impressed me about them all the way through.
“We have a very determined group who want to show what they can do in these last seven days.”
McGeechan has already been forced to amend his starting line-up for tomorrow’s game following the withdrawal of prop Andy Sheridan, who aggravated an injury suffered earlier this year to his left fibula.
The problem flared up after training yesterday and, as a precautionary measure, Sheridan was withdrawn from the starting line-up, replaced by Graham Rowntree.
The Englishman is one of four players from the weekend’s Test 22 named for tomorrow’s game, with flanker Martyn Williams, scrum-half Matt Dawson starting the game and Shane Horgan on the bench.
Making his first and probably last appearance on this tour is Scotland flanker Jason White, who makes his Lions debut against Auckland a week after arriving in New Zealand as a replacement for the injured Richard Hill.
Also featuring is an Ireland quartet of John Hayes, Denis Hickie, Gordon D’Arcy and Geordan Murphy, the full-back who would be expecting to put pressure on Jason Robinson for his place in the Test back three after fine performances on tour.
His national coach, Eddie O’Sullivan, said he understood Murphy’s frustration at twice missing out in Christchurch and Wellington but urged the Leicester back to look at the bigger picture.
“Geordan’s a very a bright guy and he’d want to be on the Test team but he knows that the whole experience is going to make him a better player,” said O’Sullivan.
“I know it’s great to play in a Test because that experience is unique in itself, but that’s only one part of it and the rest of it is going to help him as well.
“He’s had a good tour and it’s been a bit unfortunate that a Test place hasn’t come his way but with a squad of 45 there’s always going to be a lot of guys who won’t make the Test team. So, again, you’ve got to make the best of it and get the most you can out of it. Geordan is doing that, I can tell by the way that he’s carrying himself.”
Murphy may find plenty of sympathy in potential back three rival Rokocoko, whose appearance will depend on him proving his fitness following his return from the Junior All Blacks’ tour to Australia.
Prop Saimone Taumoepeau and centre Ben Atiga are in the same situation, having arrived back in New Zealand on Saturday following a 34-31 victory over Australia A in Sydney.
Rokocoko and Taumoepeau scored a try apiece for the Junior All Blacks and all three will train with their provincial team-mates today.
Flanker Justin Collins will captain Auckland while No.8 Angus MacDonald gets his second crack at the tourists, having played for the victorious Maori in Hamilton last month.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
