Woodward shows gambling instincts

WITH the first Test fast approaching, the timing of Saturday's Dunedin performance and victory by the Lions could not have been better.

Otago have been the bane of many a Lions side in the past with a remarkable record of five victories from eight previous meetings.

Outside of the Test series, last week was the most difficult phase for the tourists. I always felt emerging undefeated from the trio of New Zealand Maori, Wellington and Otago would have been a massive achievement. So it proved. As long as the lessons are absorbed, the reality check can be more beneficial.