Warrenball? This Lions squad is full of genuine rugby quality
PLAYERS TO POLICE DRINKING
WARREN Gatland has revealed plans to allow players to make their own rules regarding drinking on the Lions tour to New Zealand.
But the Kiwi has warned that in the age of social media, even being seen out in the small hours, regardless of whether alcohol is being consumed, is likely to spark negative publicity.
Gatland is known to have allowed Wales players to police themselves in terms of socialising, with the 2011 World Cup squad famously distinguishing themselves with their self-imposed discipline off the field.
And he says a similar approach will be offered to his 2017 Lions.
“It won’t be my call but I think the players might say, ‘Go out for a couple of hours, no-one is going to mind them having a couple of beers, come back to the hotel , be there at 1am’,” Gatland is quoted as saying by
“Guys might be out at three or four o’clock in the morning but they might be drinking water or orange juice.” direct style of rugby Gatland had favoured with Wales and it has increasingly been used in a derogatory fashion.
But McGeechan is adamant size will not be everything on the forthcoming trip to New Zealand, insisting it is clever players, not a Goliath, that will beat the All Blacks.
“I have no doubt the rugby the Lions produce this summer will be exciting and high-quality because of the calibre of player going,” he said.
“Yes, there are some big men in the squad. And clearly it is going to be a hugely physical battle. But I think only two of them are probably not what you would call natural ballcarriers.
“Pretty much everyone can carry and offload and pass. The talent and versatility available to Gats is unquestioned; it’s probably the most talented Lions squad in a long time.
“What they need from the coaching staff, if they are to develop a more ‘dynamic’ game, is clear direction. As long as the coaching staff provide them with that they’ll do the rest. The tough itinerary, although a double-edged sword, could put the Lions in great shape ahead of the first Test if well managed.
“There is no reason we cannot challenge the All Blacks. It’s not about trying to copy New Zealand. It is about developing a game plan which suits and reflects the character and qualities of the players. Lions rugby reflects that particular group, it is never associated with just one country.”
He continued: “I am excited just thinking about the tactical approach of which this group is capable. I believe the Lions will have parity at the set-piece and huge strength at the lineout.
“But it is the quality of their breakdown work which will determine whether or not they can be successful in New Zealand – the ability to read the breakdown in both attack and defence.
“Accuracy will be the biggest thing, knowing when to attack the ball and when to clear out the man. If the Lions can get good, consistent frontfoot ball, they will be able to play two or three passes out from the breakdown.
“That opens up so many options and makes it so much more difficult to defend against. It almost means you can use kicking as a real weapon, not just as a means of getting rid of the ball. The All Blacks love nothing more than counter-attacking off poor kicking.
“A dynamic game does not mean trying to fling the ball from one side of the pitch to the other. It does not mean ‘loose’ rugby. Far from it.
“It means developing a solid game plan, being accurate, working in combinations – whether that’s three or four players working in a channel, kick-chase, the breakdown.
“Strong players will be needed in New Zealand, that’s a given. But clever players will beat the All Blacks.”