Gatland set to bail up O’Brien over remarks

AUCKLAND: British and Irish Lions boss Warren Gatland will seek an audience with Sean O’Brien after the Irish flanker’s stinging criticism of his training methods on this year’s New Zealand tour.

The Lions secured a landmark 11 series draw with the All Blacks, having won the second test 2421 and drawn the third 1515.

Yet O’Brien, one of the world’s finest No 7s, accused Gatland in a radio interview of overtraining and overloading the Lions’ starstudded squad.

Despite their formidable opponent, O’Brien believed the Lions had the quality of players to win the series comfortably but had been let down by an overzealous coaching staff and should have been rested more. According to the UK’s Daily

Telegraph newspaper, Gatland was disappointed by O’Brien’s remarks and wished to speak to him in person. He earlier received highpowered support from Lions chief executive John Feehan, who backed Gatland’s methods to the hilt.

‘‘I said all along that I think we had the best coaching team available and I think they proved that in what we achieved in New Zealand,’’ Feehan said.

‘‘To draw a series with the All Blacks, who had not lost a test match at home for eight years, was a remarkable result.’’

Feehan said it should not be underestimated that Gatland’s group became just the second Lions team in 13 visits to New Zealand to avoid series defeat.

O’Brien later attempted to clarify his remarks via social media, saying the Lions top brass had also done many things right on the tour.

He said he fully respected Gatland and the coaching staff.

I said all along that I think we had the best coaching team available and I think they proved that in what we achieved in New Zealand Lions CEO John Feehan