‘Warrenball’ jibes getting to Gatland

Back in the big city and with the self- proclaimed country boys disappearing in the Lions’ rear-view mirror, Warren Gatland’s bid to broaden minds regarding both his players and his own coaching philosophy has stepped up a notch.

With the slate wiped clean and all-new starting XV after a disappointing performance and narrow win in the opener against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians on Saturday in Whangarei, the British and Irish Lions will look to fire up their tour in their first clash with Super Rugby opposition tomorrow morning when they meet the Blues at Eden Park (8:35 am Irish time).

And with the naming of that matchday squad featuring a quartet of Irishmen - Jack McGrath, CJ Stander, Robbie Henshaw and Jared Payne - who gave the All Blacks a taste of their own medicine in Chicago last November, head coach Gatland also came out fighting amid fresh barbs from the Kiwis about what they believe is their compatriot’s one-dimensional style.