British and Irish Lions
British and
Irish Lions
As far as top level rugby goes, challenges don’t
come much bigger than an away series in New
Zealand against the reigning World Champions.
That is what lies ahead for the British and
Irish Lions this summer and it is going to take
something truly special to come away with
positive results in the test series.
History
You only have to look at their last visit in 2005 to
realise just how difficult this is going to be. That
time out they lost all three tests without ever really
giving the All Blacks anything to worry about. The
last Lions Tour saw them take victory in Australia
however and Warren Gatland is tasked with
leading his side to a second series win.
Schedule
While the schedule has been criticised by some,
it is not too different from previous Lions Tours
and one of the major strengths of the Lions is
the depth that they possess. Whether Gatland
can get his key players into peak condition for
the first test on the 24th June will be the bigger
question.
With the next two tests coming on the 1st July
and the 8th July the games will be coming thick
and fast but the Lions have a lot of players
pushing for a place in the first XV who are at a
similar level so the opportunity to rotate a little
may be a bonus.
The Squad
The selected squad has taken some criticism, as
it was always going to, and Gatland has left a
couple of quality players at home. The feeling that
Scotland should have had more representation
is there also with the addition of Greg Laidlaw
helping to balance that.
The Backs
Ireland showed last year that they can compete
up front with New Zealand and after grinding out
victory over England the base of the Lions pack
may well be Irish. If the Lions are to compete in
this series they will at least need parity in the
set-piece and should have a good chance of
achieving it.
The Forwards
New Zealand’s forwards have been ahead of
the rest of the world around the field for some
time and if the matches open up their backs
are also likely to run riot against the unfamiliar
Lions backline. The Irish pairing of Conor Murray
and Johnny Sexton should ensure that the Lions
game management is strong with the option of
playing Owen Farrell at centre to further enhance
this area.
They will have to take their chances if they are to
come away with victory and they have plenty of
options to forge an exciting back three with Liam
Williams, Stuart Hogg, Anthony Watson and
George North all capable of lighting up a game.
For the Lions to win the series they would
probably have to produce the best Tour in their
history. Whilst that seems unlikely, their first goal
should be to make sure they compete and with
a powerful pack and an outstanding halfback
pairing they should be able to ensure that this is
a fascinating tour to watch.
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