Woodward set to begin scouting mission

Clive Woodward is relishing spending a week with the Wales squad as part of his preparations for next summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has invited Woodward to observe the build-up towards Wales’ November 20 appointment with the All Blacks in Cardiff.

It could form an important part of ex-England boss Woodward’s planning for the 11-game trip, which includes three Tests against New Zealand.

“As it has turned out, I’ve got almost a whole year at it (the Lions),” said World Cup winner Woodward.

“I’ve already spoken to Mike Ruddock and he has invited me down to spend a week with Wales as they prepare for the All Blacks.

“It will be fantastic to sit and watch the Welsh team operate, to get to know the players and get to know Mike and the players that will go on the Lions tour, and also see how they play against the All Blacks.”

Woodward, talking to Sky Sports’ The Rugby Club, believes a Lions tour poses different challenges from a World Cup campaign.

“I am very excited, because it’s totally different to the World Cup,” he added. “I think to be successful down in New Zealand, we have got to go down there and the whole touring party has got to enjoy it.

“I looked closely at what happened in 2001 (Lions tour of Australia), and don’t forget they went down there with (Jonny) Wilkinson and with (Martin) Johnson and world-class players, and they lost to a mediocre Australia team. I just think it was taken too seriously.

“We will take it seriously in terms of planning and preparation, but when you get down there, you’ve got to play with a smile on your face and go out there and really attack this team.

“It’s a little bit different from the World Cup in terms of being successful. I want to win just as much as the World Cup, but you’ve got to manage it and coach it slightly differently, especially when you’ve got a lot of new players.

“I did want to have more coaches to make sure all the bits and pieces are in place, but I think you’ve got to be a bit more relaxed.

“I want to see people in New Zealand walking around with smiles on their faces and really enjoying the whole experience,” he added.

“And if the players enjoy the whole experience of being in New Zealand, then when the big matches come round and the Tests kick off, you’ve got far more chance of winning the game.

“I’ve been lucky to be on a couple of (Lions) tours myself and saw what happened first-hand in 2001.

“It is different from the World Cup, and at the end of the day, it’s a huge opportunity for the players and it is about winning. There is no other reason in going there, but you have got to do it a little bit differently.”