Rowntree expects dirt-trackers to set high bar

The British & Irish Lions complete their provincial schedule today against the Melbourne Rebels with the reminder that their performance and approach has a direct bearing on the outcome of the Test series.

Last Tuesday’s lacklustre display and 14-12 loss to the Brumbies in Canberra threatened to dent squad morale and derail the build-up to the opening Test against the Wallabies, but the midweek team’s positivity in defeat alleviated any concerns and forwards coach Graham Rowntree wants a similar outlook at AAMI Park today coupled, naturally enough, with a victory before the deciding Test matches over the next two Saturdays.

“We’ve said that right from the outset; that the attitude and intensity of the midweek team makes the series, because on a Saturday they were the ones who were straight into the changing room, congratulating the lads,” Rowntree said. “Then they are the guys who have to get up straight away on Sunday morning to train. We’re very careful about how we pick the squad with that in mind and their attitude has been impeccable so far.”