Lions Tour 2009 - 27/06/09
South Africa 28, British & Irish Lions 25
A month on tour seems a long time, but this week coming may feel like an eternity. The dreams of a Lions series revival are over, giving insult to injuries left, right and centre in a touring camp ripped apart over a weekend. Adam Jones out. Gethin Jenkins out. Brian O’Driscoll out. The list goes on.
The life of the tour has dissipated with everything else. Elation in contrast for the Boks, albeit a few hiccups with bans to Bakkies Botha at lock and Schalke Burger at blindside denting preparations for the Tri-Nations competition. But, what may be deemed brutal disregard for their opponents health, may be the one thing that beat the Lions overall.
Only an eight-week ban for Burger after the eye-gouging incident on Luke Fitzgerald, the Lions are in uproar that it is not longer. You cannot console with someone who has blatantly attempted to blind an opponent, but if we were to look at it as brutality that comes on the field of play, you would have to say the Boks had the edge all along.
A lack of talent on the Lions bench and Drico and co. flying into everything at one hundred miles an hour to do some damage themselves, it turned out in hindsight that the only damage caused was self inflicted.
The Lions played with the right game plan, the right mentality, and were far better in front of goal than our good friend Piennar. But in a frantic, high-tempered test, the best moments were from the skill of Jones’ back hand pass, Kearney’s elegance taking every high ball under the sun, and the powerful scrummaging of our all-welsh front row.
Instead, patches of over zealous tackling turned what were fantastic moments to watch in the game, into unnecessary set backs in the long haul. Injuries killed the Lions and the boot of Steyn buried them.
Showing posts with label Lions tour 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lions tour 2009. Show all posts
Monday, 29 June 2009
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
Cometh the man, cometh the Lions
Lions Tour 2009 - 16/06/09
Southern Kings 8, British & Irish Lions 20
The head scratching begins as the spaces to the right of a Lions test positions numbered one to twenty-two will be carefully inked. The selection process that’s been eagerly awaited and severely scrutinised over the previous months will be finally made, but before that can happen Ian McGeechan and his coaching team will be looking at a sleepless night ahead of them.
Put the kettle on as this may be a long one. The team put up against the bruising Southern Kings Tuesday may shed some light on the selection thoughts McGeechan is swaying towards. With some names possibly being rested in anticipation of Saturday’s test in Durban, it is not however the case that players picked for the mid-week team are not still in contention.
Yes, two players already picked may feature on rows five and thirteen – with Captain Paul O’Connell and grand slam winning captain Brian O’Driscoll marking their territory not only in the last few weeks, but in the season before the tour’s flight south of the equator.
However, the inbetweeners are not yet set in stone. Everyone from management staff down to the opinionated pub-goers will want to state their claims, and players that were involved in Port Elizabeth will be seeking a quick turnaround in hope of a test position this Saturday.
I’ve never been one to jump on the bandwagon, knowing full well opinions are only left to debate and will have no input on final test selection. An individual’s satisfaction placing himself in the same acclaim as Geech the Almighty is good for massaging the ego. But, shouldn’t it be easier to leave the job to the professionals and kick back and watch events unfold stress free?
That’s not what a Lions tour is about however. The excitement of the fan as well as the team selector is what makes the tour so worthwhile. So why not? Let’s have bash and produce something more substantial. What’s there to lose? Only the light awakening that you’re not quite the rugby manager you initially thought. But let’s forget about that.
Where to start? Front row? Let’s politely leave that aside for the moment, as too the back row with the absence of injured Springbok Schalk Burger shaking things up.
Alun Wyn Jones at lock is a favourite alongside O’Connell which will hopefully make him a likely starter. Half backs should be kept simple but creative. Michael Phillips is strong and unyielding as a scrum half decision maker, and Stephen Jones is unreserved with his positive running style.
Jamie Roberts sits between Jones and O’Driscoll looking to find the gap with his rampaging charges, which would normally narrow play in favour of a strong Springbok pack, but is instead aided by the supporting O’Driscoll, who is handed the space he loves and that Roberts always seems to serve.
Ugo Monye keeps on scoring on the left and right, as does the team’s X-factor in the shape of Tommy Bowe who has been the most deceptive for pace and power thus far. An Anglo-Irish wing combination will need a Welsh influence at full-back. Enter Lee Byrne and a new type of running style, hitting the line hard and deep, instead of following the sidesteps of Wales and Lions great JPR Williams.
Now, the back row is the one that may leave Geech and co. at sixs and sevens. But one that shouldn’t be resolved by playing good players out of position. Look at the game plan. Keep away from the breakdown as much as possible. Lions have struggled in this area thus far, so preparing a back row with strong runners in Jamie Heaslip and David Wallace combined with the illusive running of Tom Croft, the Lions can look to play a wider game plan keeping the ball in hand rather than its, so far, vulnerable situation on the floor.
Lee Mears is guaranteed a test spot with his precision line-out throwing, as too I feel has Gethin Jenkins with his composure to roam the field with a low penalty count. Tighthead is now a big question mark though. Euan Murray would be my man at three, but whether his injury sustained in the Southern Kings contest is long-lasting, it is hard to say who would replace him.
Shuffle Jenkins across and place Shez in at the loose? Or make a straight swap with controversial favourite Phil Vickery in the tight? If crutches-bound Murray is unfit, I would be more inclined to play Adam Jones as the strong man at the defending breakdown than settle for a predominantly English front row.
The balance of the bench will be vital too. Ross Ford and Phil Vickery as front row replacements bring strength and composure. Andrew Sheridan falls short by mere millimetres since his powerful but narrow style of play shouldn’t be the direction of the Lions. Martyn Williams and Nathan Hines make versatile second and third rowers with good ball handling.
Harry Ellis links the forwards and the backs purely on a lack of competition for the bench. Rob Kearney is another versatile addition to the back three. And here’s hoping James Hook is fit as his kicking abilities make him a perfect impact player at either ten or twelve if required.
British and Irish Lions: 15 Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales), 14 Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), 13 Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland), 12 Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 11 Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England), 10 Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), 9 Michael Phillips (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 8 Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), 7 David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), 6 Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England), 5 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), 4 Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland), 3 Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), 2 Lee Mears (Bath/England), 1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales).
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), 17 Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England), 18 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 19 Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland), 20 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England), 21 James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), 22 Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland).
Southern Kings 8, British & Irish Lions 20
The head scratching begins as the spaces to the right of a Lions test positions numbered one to twenty-two will be carefully inked. The selection process that’s been eagerly awaited and severely scrutinised over the previous months will be finally made, but before that can happen Ian McGeechan and his coaching team will be looking at a sleepless night ahead of them.
Put the kettle on as this may be a long one. The team put up against the bruising Southern Kings Tuesday may shed some light on the selection thoughts McGeechan is swaying towards. With some names possibly being rested in anticipation of Saturday’s test in Durban, it is not however the case that players picked for the mid-week team are not still in contention.
Yes, two players already picked may feature on rows five and thirteen – with Captain Paul O’Connell and grand slam winning captain Brian O’Driscoll marking their territory not only in the last few weeks, but in the season before the tour’s flight south of the equator.
However, the inbetweeners are not yet set in stone. Everyone from management staff down to the opinionated pub-goers will want to state their claims, and players that were involved in Port Elizabeth will be seeking a quick turnaround in hope of a test position this Saturday.
I’ve never been one to jump on the bandwagon, knowing full well opinions are only left to debate and will have no input on final test selection. An individual’s satisfaction placing himself in the same acclaim as Geech the Almighty is good for massaging the ego. But, shouldn’t it be easier to leave the job to the professionals and kick back and watch events unfold stress free?
That’s not what a Lions tour is about however. The excitement of the fan as well as the team selector is what makes the tour so worthwhile. So why not? Let’s have bash and produce something more substantial. What’s there to lose? Only the light awakening that you’re not quite the rugby manager you initially thought. But let’s forget about that.
Where to start? Front row? Let’s politely leave that aside for the moment, as too the back row with the absence of injured Springbok Schalk Burger shaking things up.
Alun Wyn Jones at lock is a favourite alongside O’Connell which will hopefully make him a likely starter. Half backs should be kept simple but creative. Michael Phillips is strong and unyielding as a scrum half decision maker, and Stephen Jones is unreserved with his positive running style.
Jamie Roberts sits between Jones and O’Driscoll looking to find the gap with his rampaging charges, which would normally narrow play in favour of a strong Springbok pack, but is instead aided by the supporting O’Driscoll, who is handed the space he loves and that Roberts always seems to serve.
Ugo Monye keeps on scoring on the left and right, as does the team’s X-factor in the shape of Tommy Bowe who has been the most deceptive for pace and power thus far. An Anglo-Irish wing combination will need a Welsh influence at full-back. Enter Lee Byrne and a new type of running style, hitting the line hard and deep, instead of following the sidesteps of Wales and Lions great JPR Williams.
Now, the back row is the one that may leave Geech and co. at sixs and sevens. But one that shouldn’t be resolved by playing good players out of position. Look at the game plan. Keep away from the breakdown as much as possible. Lions have struggled in this area thus far, so preparing a back row with strong runners in Jamie Heaslip and David Wallace combined with the illusive running of Tom Croft, the Lions can look to play a wider game plan keeping the ball in hand rather than its, so far, vulnerable situation on the floor.
Lee Mears is guaranteed a test spot with his precision line-out throwing, as too I feel has Gethin Jenkins with his composure to roam the field with a low penalty count. Tighthead is now a big question mark though. Euan Murray would be my man at three, but whether his injury sustained in the Southern Kings contest is long-lasting, it is hard to say who would replace him.
Shuffle Jenkins across and place Shez in at the loose? Or make a straight swap with controversial favourite Phil Vickery in the tight? If crutches-bound Murray is unfit, I would be more inclined to play Adam Jones as the strong man at the defending breakdown than settle for a predominantly English front row.
The balance of the bench will be vital too. Ross Ford and Phil Vickery as front row replacements bring strength and composure. Andrew Sheridan falls short by mere millimetres since his powerful but narrow style of play shouldn’t be the direction of the Lions. Martyn Williams and Nathan Hines make versatile second and third rowers with good ball handling.
Harry Ellis links the forwards and the backs purely on a lack of competition for the bench. Rob Kearney is another versatile addition to the back three. And here’s hoping James Hook is fit as his kicking abilities make him a perfect impact player at either ten or twelve if required.
British and Irish Lions: 15 Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales), 14 Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), 13 Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland), 12 Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 11 Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England), 10 Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), 9 Michael Phillips (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 8 Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), 7 David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), 6 Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England), 5 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), 4 Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland), 3 Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), 2 Lee Mears (Bath/England), 1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales).
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), 17 Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England), 18 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), 19 Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland), 20 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England), 21 James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), 22 Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland).
Thursday, 11 June 2009
The show does go on
Lions Tour 2009 - 10/06/09
Natal Sharks 3, British and Irish Lions 39
When Ian McGeechan invests in a Lions tour there’s one guarantee he knows without having to read the small print. Possessing more Lions experience than any one man could wish to attain, the Lion King is only too familiar with team setback whilst on tour.
With blood and sweat always comes tears and heartbreak. Players’ tours will end in a heartbeat but who and when will always be a lottery.
Unfortunately, this has been a week that saw two such instances. Leigh Halfpenny comes and goes with a recurring thigh strain, and Stephen Ferris, probably the most despondent to leave, departs with long-term damage to a knee ligament after already making good ground in search of a test place.
Two tries in two made the Irishman a real contender for the number six shirt come test week, but his departure now only makes things easier in Geech’s selection as Tom Croft becomes a dead cert starter on June 20th.
Wales captain Ryan Jones replaces Ferris on the return flight to South Africa, giving himself the opportunity to join those he has both fought and led in the four years since he last pulled on the Lions jersey.
The show must go on as the old showman saying goes. And putting recent upsets aside, a win over Natal Sharks in Durban proves the Lions are in no mood to look back on injuries in any shape or form – only to go forward with a view to kill.
A team’s success is bigger than any one, or even two men, and whilst we, the couch potatoes, reflect on the what ifs, the team as a whole will be looking at the what nows.
A second half display in front of the watching Natal Springboks will rightly steal the headlines. Roberts has rumbled his way onto the test team-sheet, as has I feel Lee Mears, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne.
Brian O’Driscoll is a man no one would dare leave out and although he won’t be wearing the status of tour captain this term, O’Connell will surely be looking to his waltzing midfield wizard to spark the guys into action for the big week ahead.
Loosehead prop is still an ordeal as either the scrummaging power of Sheridan or the all round energy of Jenkins will have to outweigh the other. Alun Wyn Jones is proving quite the nuisance at lock with more and more game time, and the back row may well stay the way it stands with a Wallace-Heislip-Croft combo proving the stronger so far.
Stand-off is still undecided as Rog did himself no favours in Durban, continually letting his boot override his normally good awareness with the hand. Stephen Jones has undeniably ticked some of the requirements for a test place, and with a fine performance against the Golden Lions a week ago, he’ll be hoping to get another chance to shine in this Saturday’s clash with Western Province.
Shane Williams, however, is proving everyone right as he shows again that he is a mere shadow of the man he was six months ago. Tommy Bowe plus either Ugo Monye or Luke Fitzgerald seems on testimony a far safer bet for a wing partnership.
Early days and McGeechan is still giving nothing away. Two more games will give either one more chance to impress, or will simply cement the players who have already made the punch, in a chance to hopefully repeat history.
We may already have our own ideas of who McGeechan should resort to, but these will have no influence whatsoever in the time between now and the first test back in Durban. A week is already proven to be a long time in the life of a Lion.
Natal Sharks 3, British and Irish Lions 39
When Ian McGeechan invests in a Lions tour there’s one guarantee he knows without having to read the small print. Possessing more Lions experience than any one man could wish to attain, the Lion King is only too familiar with team setback whilst on tour.
With blood and sweat always comes tears and heartbreak. Players’ tours will end in a heartbeat but who and when will always be a lottery.
Unfortunately, this has been a week that saw two such instances. Leigh Halfpenny comes and goes with a recurring thigh strain, and Stephen Ferris, probably the most despondent to leave, departs with long-term damage to a knee ligament after already making good ground in search of a test place.
Two tries in two made the Irishman a real contender for the number six shirt come test week, but his departure now only makes things easier in Geech’s selection as Tom Croft becomes a dead cert starter on June 20th.
Wales captain Ryan Jones replaces Ferris on the return flight to South Africa, giving himself the opportunity to join those he has both fought and led in the four years since he last pulled on the Lions jersey.
The show must go on as the old showman saying goes. And putting recent upsets aside, a win over Natal Sharks in Durban proves the Lions are in no mood to look back on injuries in any shape or form – only to go forward with a view to kill.
A team’s success is bigger than any one, or even two men, and whilst we, the couch potatoes, reflect on the what ifs, the team as a whole will be looking at the what nows.
A second half display in front of the watching Natal Springboks will rightly steal the headlines. Roberts has rumbled his way onto the test team-sheet, as has I feel Lee Mears, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne.
Brian O’Driscoll is a man no one would dare leave out and although he won’t be wearing the status of tour captain this term, O’Connell will surely be looking to his waltzing midfield wizard to spark the guys into action for the big week ahead.
Loosehead prop is still an ordeal as either the scrummaging power of Sheridan or the all round energy of Jenkins will have to outweigh the other. Alun Wyn Jones is proving quite the nuisance at lock with more and more game time, and the back row may well stay the way it stands with a Wallace-Heislip-Croft combo proving the stronger so far.
Stand-off is still undecided as Rog did himself no favours in Durban, continually letting his boot override his normally good awareness with the hand. Stephen Jones has undeniably ticked some of the requirements for a test place, and with a fine performance against the Golden Lions a week ago, he’ll be hoping to get another chance to shine in this Saturday’s clash with Western Province.
Shane Williams, however, is proving everyone right as he shows again that he is a mere shadow of the man he was six months ago. Tommy Bowe plus either Ugo Monye or Luke Fitzgerald seems on testimony a far safer bet for a wing partnership.
Early days and McGeechan is still giving nothing away. Two more games will give either one more chance to impress, or will simply cement the players who have already made the punch, in a chance to hopefully repeat history.
We may already have our own ideas of who McGeechan should resort to, but these will have no influence whatsoever in the time between now and the first test back in Durban. A week is already proven to be a long time in the life of a Lion.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Lions slow out of the blocks
Lions Tour 2009 - 30/05/09
Royals XV 25, British and Irish Lions 35
How does the song go? In the jungle... the mighty jungle... the lion sleeps tonight. The Lions of course cannot be found in the jungle, but in the high altitude of Rustenburg they most certainly need a wake-up call. On a day the Lions returned to action in South Africa for the first time in twelve years, a Royal’s XV almost spoiled the visitor’s welcome party as the Lions for the most part lacked the spirit that normally comes with wearing the prestigious red jersey.
A victory nonetheless in the tour’s opener, the Lions will take at least some positives out of the game as many made their Lions debuts getting some early tour jitters out of their systems.
Keith Earls, not recognised on the international scene but still a tricky customer for Munster week in week out, did finally find his usual illusive feet in a match where his hands seemed just as slippery. Dropped high balls on the calmest of South African days proves even the best of Britain and Ireland can let the nerves of big-stage rugby get to them.
Lee Byrne, the Lion of the match by a long way, came through the game as the only man to leave a mark on the tour thus far. Solid under the high ball, composed under pressure, and producing a game turning try to boot, it seems you would rather be an Osprey than a Lion if you are wishing to make an impression this summer.
Tommy Bowe and replacement Alun Wyn Jones the other Ospreys to make the score-sheet, and a last minute score from Munster fly half Ronan O’Gara finished off a 37-25 victory that begins his Lions 2009 tally with 22 points.
It is easy to criticise and let your high expectations get in the way of a level-headed reality. A slow start admittedly but in retrospect a win will do to kick start the tour. O’Connell summed up the game well as an amalgamation of individual mistakes, and in continuing the clever but clichéd journalistic analogies, The Lions must hunt in a pack if they are to kill off a Springbok.
The back-row were non-existent for the best part of eighty minutes, Blair was irritably slow in feeding Rog the ball, and O’Connell, although over criticised by one Stuart Barnes, I feel needs to broaden his shoulders, stick out his chest and lead with his hands at his side rather than on his head.
In summary, a first victory for McGeechan’s 2009 Lions, yes, but far from the finished article if we are truly honest.
Royals XV 25, British and Irish Lions 35
How does the song go? In the jungle... the mighty jungle... the lion sleeps tonight. The Lions of course cannot be found in the jungle, but in the high altitude of Rustenburg they most certainly need a wake-up call. On a day the Lions returned to action in South Africa for the first time in twelve years, a Royal’s XV almost spoiled the visitor’s welcome party as the Lions for the most part lacked the spirit that normally comes with wearing the prestigious red jersey.
A victory nonetheless in the tour’s opener, the Lions will take at least some positives out of the game as many made their Lions debuts getting some early tour jitters out of their systems.
Keith Earls, not recognised on the international scene but still a tricky customer for Munster week in week out, did finally find his usual illusive feet in a match where his hands seemed just as slippery. Dropped high balls on the calmest of South African days proves even the best of Britain and Ireland can let the nerves of big-stage rugby get to them.
Lee Byrne, the Lion of the match by a long way, came through the game as the only man to leave a mark on the tour thus far. Solid under the high ball, composed under pressure, and producing a game turning try to boot, it seems you would rather be an Osprey than a Lion if you are wishing to make an impression this summer.
Tommy Bowe and replacement Alun Wyn Jones the other Ospreys to make the score-sheet, and a last minute score from Munster fly half Ronan O’Gara finished off a 37-25 victory that begins his Lions 2009 tally with 22 points.
It is easy to criticise and let your high expectations get in the way of a level-headed reality. A slow start admittedly but in retrospect a win will do to kick start the tour. O’Connell summed up the game well as an amalgamation of individual mistakes, and in continuing the clever but clichéd journalistic analogies, The Lions must hunt in a pack if they are to kill off a Springbok.
The back-row were non-existent for the best part of eighty minutes, Blair was irritably slow in feeding Rog the ball, and O’Connell, although over criticised by one Stuart Barnes, I feel needs to broaden his shoulders, stick out his chest and lead with his hands at his side rather than on his head.
In summary, a first victory for McGeechan’s 2009 Lions, yes, but far from the finished article if we are truly honest.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Captain Carling's rugby ramble
FOR those who can, set your minds back to a different time in international rugby.
A time before the professional player, before salary caps, the Millennium Stadium, and of course Jonny.
The astute voice of Bill McLaren was in full swing, six nations were in fact five, and a certain Will Carling would lead his England side to their first back to back Grand Slams for sixty-seven years.
Separated by a world cup final appearance at Twickenham in ‘91, and followed by yet another Slam and another world cup run in ‘95, the success of England under Carling’s reign can only be topped in modern times by the exceptional achievements in 2003.
The man with the top job then was Martin Johnson, a captain of different circumstance to Carling, but a talisman of similar acclaim.
Courier Sport had the pleasure in speaking exclusively with the outspoken William Carling – OBE before I forget – discussing his romance with English Rugby, the time he became a Lion, and spending his post-match retirement living in a virtual clubhouse.
“My ambition was never to captain England” Carling said.
“I just wanted to play for my country, so when manager at the time Geoff Cooke rang to ask if I wanted the job, my first assumptions were that he must be joking. “No, really Will” was his response, which I found very bizarre since I was only 22 with little experience of playing for England.
“I played in a good England team, that’s why it was so successful. I would probably say, out of the three, my favourite Grand Slam would have to be the first one in ’91. The others were good, but at the time the relief just to beat the French and to play well without any issues, that’s what made it so special.
“As a captain in those days I had a lot more input in selection and team building compared to the likes of Johnson and others more recently.
"In today’s game more back-room staff are hired for precisely those jobs, leaving the captain to play rugby. In that sense I feel I had to be a more vocal captain than those after me. That there is a big difference between the amateur and professional eras for sure.”
Deliberation over the manner in which England took to the Twickenham field in the 1991 World Cup final does conjure up questions of the team’s leadership.
Losing to Australia at the final hurdle after a change in game plan that saw England turn to a more expansive tactic, you would have thought those involved may regret looking back on the day, especially the captain.
This is not the case however as Carling goes on to explain what happened 18 years ago as purely a question of hind-sight.
“People forget that we toured Australia that summer and got whacked 40 points to 15.
"When it came to the final we all decided to sit down for a bit and come up with a different way of playing them (away from the usual English forwards method). If we had taken our chances on the day we would have won. There are definitely no regrets, we just didn’t take our chances.
“The quarter-final win over Australia in ’95 was one hell of a game. It was nice to avenge them after that final, but then again you could say to what end if we were going on to lose to New Zealand in the semi anyway.
“New Zealand had a very good side,” Carling continued. “Jonah Lomu was a great player. In ’99 he was good, but nowhere near the player he was in 1995. If you put two or three on him to slow him down, you’d just end up leaving holes everywhere else.
“Zinzan (Brooke) reminds me almost every day about that drop-goal, especially as I was the one to kick him the ball in the first place. To be fair to him it was just such a ridiculous kick. It was a massive strike. He does love it.”
A Lion in the tour of New Zealand in ’93, Carling can look back on his career and say he is part of a special group of people, a select few to ever wear the prestigious shirt.
The hype of the Lions tour that comes along only every four years is back again this summer, and who better than an actual Lion to guide us through this year’s squad selection, made public in the week.
However, in old Will Carling fashion, the man does enlighten us first of all with his own unique experience of being a Lion.
“Well, I played shite didn’t I?” said in a brutally honest temper. “I would’ve liked to go on a Lions tour when I was in some form.
"The Lions is such a unique concept, and is a very bizarre experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it but was just disappointed that I didn’t perform the way I could.
“Going on a Lions tour is very bizarre. When you play for your club and national team, you know the drills, you know the game plans, and you can in some way settle into your comfort zone.
"With the Lions you can’t. You must go into them with the right frame of mind, and if you do, they are just an incredible experience.
“I am disappointed at the absence of Tom Croft in this summer’s tour, and I do feel Delon Armitage was a little unlucky not to make the cut. But, you know, there are a couple of good fullbacks going.
“As for Croft, I honestly thought he would start the test game. He’s good in the lineout and would be perfect on the hard-fast grounds in South Africa.
“You do have to be physical in South Africa as well. If you don’t compete with them in the front-five you are going to struggle. I think McGeechan has done a pretty good job in his selection, he’s got it pretty close for sure.”
In Carling’s non-playing days, he finds himself heavily involved in rugby still. Running his own hospitality business Will Carling Management Ltd, he is able to put a different spin on rugby, hosting functions post-match with some of the biggest names in rugby, bridging the different generations to have mastered the sport.
The Rucku.com fan-site is also a project Carling has taken on, an amusing way to keep up to date with rugby topics and debate, and include a bit of banter along the way.
Carling explains “It’s a rugby bar-stroke-clubhouse where guys can just have a laugh really. It’s a site where you can have a bit of banter, some slander, keep up to date with a bit of news, watch a few rugby videos, and basically have a good craic.”
The no-nonsense approach to rugby talk is what Carling and co. like.
The thought of giving their former rugby colleagues a bit of jip while talking rugby over a pint seems the perfect combination.
The belief that somewhere preserved inside, everyone still has the excitable boy who began his days playing the sport.
While keeping rugby light-hearted, more will surely want to follow it.
A time before the professional player, before salary caps, the Millennium Stadium, and of course Jonny.
The astute voice of Bill McLaren was in full swing, six nations were in fact five, and a certain Will Carling would lead his England side to their first back to back Grand Slams for sixty-seven years.
Separated by a world cup final appearance at Twickenham in ‘91, and followed by yet another Slam and another world cup run in ‘95, the success of England under Carling’s reign can only be topped in modern times by the exceptional achievements in 2003.
The man with the top job then was Martin Johnson, a captain of different circumstance to Carling, but a talisman of similar acclaim.
Courier Sport had the pleasure in speaking exclusively with the outspoken William Carling – OBE before I forget – discussing his romance with English Rugby, the time he became a Lion, and spending his post-match retirement living in a virtual clubhouse.
“My ambition was never to captain England” Carling said.
“I just wanted to play for my country, so when manager at the time Geoff Cooke rang to ask if I wanted the job, my first assumptions were that he must be joking. “No, really Will” was his response, which I found very bizarre since I was only 22 with little experience of playing for England.
“I played in a good England team, that’s why it was so successful. I would probably say, out of the three, my favourite Grand Slam would have to be the first one in ’91. The others were good, but at the time the relief just to beat the French and to play well without any issues, that’s what made it so special.
“As a captain in those days I had a lot more input in selection and team building compared to the likes of Johnson and others more recently.
"In today’s game more back-room staff are hired for precisely those jobs, leaving the captain to play rugby. In that sense I feel I had to be a more vocal captain than those after me. That there is a big difference between the amateur and professional eras for sure.”
Deliberation over the manner in which England took to the Twickenham field in the 1991 World Cup final does conjure up questions of the team’s leadership.
Losing to Australia at the final hurdle after a change in game plan that saw England turn to a more expansive tactic, you would have thought those involved may regret looking back on the day, especially the captain.
This is not the case however as Carling goes on to explain what happened 18 years ago as purely a question of hind-sight.
“People forget that we toured Australia that summer and got whacked 40 points to 15.
"When it came to the final we all decided to sit down for a bit and come up with a different way of playing them (away from the usual English forwards method). If we had taken our chances on the day we would have won. There are definitely no regrets, we just didn’t take our chances.
“The quarter-final win over Australia in ’95 was one hell of a game. It was nice to avenge them after that final, but then again you could say to what end if we were going on to lose to New Zealand in the semi anyway.
“New Zealand had a very good side,” Carling continued. “Jonah Lomu was a great player. In ’99 he was good, but nowhere near the player he was in 1995. If you put two or three on him to slow him down, you’d just end up leaving holes everywhere else.
“Zinzan (Brooke) reminds me almost every day about that drop-goal, especially as I was the one to kick him the ball in the first place. To be fair to him it was just such a ridiculous kick. It was a massive strike. He does love it.”
A Lion in the tour of New Zealand in ’93, Carling can look back on his career and say he is part of a special group of people, a select few to ever wear the prestigious shirt.
The hype of the Lions tour that comes along only every four years is back again this summer, and who better than an actual Lion to guide us through this year’s squad selection, made public in the week.
However, in old Will Carling fashion, the man does enlighten us first of all with his own unique experience of being a Lion.
“Well, I played shite didn’t I?” said in a brutally honest temper. “I would’ve liked to go on a Lions tour when I was in some form.
"The Lions is such a unique concept, and is a very bizarre experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it but was just disappointed that I didn’t perform the way I could.
“Going on a Lions tour is very bizarre. When you play for your club and national team, you know the drills, you know the game plans, and you can in some way settle into your comfort zone.
"With the Lions you can’t. You must go into them with the right frame of mind, and if you do, they are just an incredible experience.
“I am disappointed at the absence of Tom Croft in this summer’s tour, and I do feel Delon Armitage was a little unlucky not to make the cut. But, you know, there are a couple of good fullbacks going.
“As for Croft, I honestly thought he would start the test game. He’s good in the lineout and would be perfect on the hard-fast grounds in South Africa.
“You do have to be physical in South Africa as well. If you don’t compete with them in the front-five you are going to struggle. I think McGeechan has done a pretty good job in his selection, he’s got it pretty close for sure.”
In Carling’s non-playing days, he finds himself heavily involved in rugby still. Running his own hospitality business Will Carling Management Ltd, he is able to put a different spin on rugby, hosting functions post-match with some of the biggest names in rugby, bridging the different generations to have mastered the sport.
The Rucku.com fan-site is also a project Carling has taken on, an amusing way to keep up to date with rugby topics and debate, and include a bit of banter along the way.
Carling explains “It’s a rugby bar-stroke-clubhouse where guys can just have a laugh really. It’s a site where you can have a bit of banter, some slander, keep up to date with a bit of news, watch a few rugby videos, and basically have a good craic.”
The no-nonsense approach to rugby talk is what Carling and co. like.
The thought of giving their former rugby colleagues a bit of jip while talking rugby over a pint seems the perfect combination.
The belief that somewhere preserved inside, everyone still has the excitable boy who began his days playing the sport.
While keeping rugby light-hearted, more will surely want to follow it.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Who will get the Lions' share?
With the Lions tour in South Africa looming, opinions of who will face the Boks in the opening test are now making the headlines. The curtains on the RBS Six Nations stage are now closed and since this is the last of the international action to be seen before McGeechan’s squad is announced, the temptation is far too great not to put pen to paper and list a possible Lions starting fifteen.
Incidently, this will be the first Lions tour to be played under the new experimental law variations, and if they are to have any of the effects we have seen in the Guinness and Magners leagues this season, I would be packing a few spare kickers ahead of the tour. If the side is going to put emphasis on the non-running game witnessed over the past seven months, the Lions analysis team may need to borrow John McEnroe from the Wimbledon scene in the game’s current tennis like state.
The decision for who plays at outside-half may be decided simply on whether Phillips is at nine. Jonny Wilkinson’s name has cropped up again as Jeremy Guscott controversially makes him top number ten. But, with the lack of game time and the unpreditability of his fitness, England’s world cup winner will surely not be packing his boots for South Africa this summer.
The Irish success in Cardiff at the weekend will hopefully see O’Gara at the forefront of McGeechan’s plans, but considering the past McGeechan teams, the Wasps Director of Rugby will not be putting all his eggs into one basket. Three stand-offs that spring to mind will obviously be a combination of Rog, Stephen Jones and a more muscular looking James Hook. McGeechan likes to have a side all competing for test places, and there is not much more than a few caps that separate the three men mentioned above.
Illusions of grandure are again striking the hopes of England supporters who will now believe the Lions can include more Englishman after all. However, without condemning the team’s efforts in this term’s Six Nations championships, I will like to opt out of this fantasy as the combination of an Ireland and Wales starting line-up looks a more appetising prospect.
Henson and O’Driscoll may well be the centre partnership that should have been in '05, even though Roberts and Shanklin are a pairing that have brought Welsh rugby to life in the past 12 months. Or will Riki Flutely be the first player to play for and against a Lions setup? The hot-stepping Maori turned try-machine Pom may be making a case for the number 12 shirt, especially if he starts producing the goods under McGeechan at Adams Park.
The back three is also not as clean cut as many make out. Lee Byrne is almost definite to play at fifteen, but, although Shane Williams is a likely starter with the season he has had, is he good enough when up against the Habanas and Pietersens of the world? Maybe a stronger wing-partnership in defence will be appointed with maybe a bit more height to handle the high ball from Percy and co. The pace of Scotland’s Thom Evans could frighten even the cheetah racing Habana, and even the illusive feet of Bowe may feature at some point. Time will have to tell.
Captaincy? The easiest choice ironically. Although O’Driscoll is a great talisman in the Ireland dressing room, on a Lions tour that will only last six weeks, McGeechan should revert back to his old philosophy – big and intimidating for the prematch coin toss. Only one name fills that description, and that name is unfortunately Martin Johnson. One can only wish the man was twelve years younger however, so we’ll have to settle with Paul O’Connell to clutch the Lions’ Hallmark teddy when leading the side out.
The back row is also a head-scratcher. Ryan Jones playing at six for the most part of the Six Nations will create most problems. Were he to be wearing the number eight shirt again come June 20th, would Andy Powell or Jamie Heaslip have something to say? If only it was as easy as making the Lions a five nations side just so Italy’s Sergio Parrise would join the tour.
Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams are fighting for open-side. Although Williams has the edge with his ball stealing capabilities at the breakdown, Worsley can leave a few Boks stung in the tail in the loose.
The tight five will be instrumental in deciding the Lions’ fate also. Composure as well as strength up front has been lacking throughout the Six Nations, and as the boot of Montgomery and François Steyn will be a threat from anywhere on the pitch, the tight five will have to be disiplined as well as ruthless at the breakdown. Personally, I know as much as referees do when it comes to what goes on in the front rows, so an expert opinion will be needed to enlighten us on that front. Maybe Keith Wood can be a better judge of character? Over a cup of tea of course.
O’Connell and O’Callaghan makes it a double-0 in the locks. Alun Wyn Jones could pip Donnacha for the partnership, but with the formidable Irish pairing dominating in both the red of Munster and the green of Ireland, it's likely McGeechan will keep them at the spine of the side. While O’Callaghan continues to reek trouble in the loose, O’Connell will hopefully be causing toil at the set-piece.
Past Lions tours have seen many surprises. Martin Corry in 2001. Ryan Jones in 2005. The question shouldn’t be who is going to start, but who is going to rise above all expectations and become the ace in the Lions’ pack? Possibly an under-rated six hiding in the ranks?
It all sounds very glamourous picking a favourite combination of players from a power of four. The idea of predicting the player who will kick the winning points in the tour’s climax is indeed very awe-inspiring. Who wouldn’t want a Jerry Guscott style finish to spoil the world champions’ hopes of redemption? I know I would. But much more rugby is to be played between now and June, so in the aim to keep our tour dreams alive, lets keep the Boks second guessing.
Incidently, this will be the first Lions tour to be played under the new experimental law variations, and if they are to have any of the effects we have seen in the Guinness and Magners leagues this season, I would be packing a few spare kickers ahead of the tour. If the side is going to put emphasis on the non-running game witnessed over the past seven months, the Lions analysis team may need to borrow John McEnroe from the Wimbledon scene in the game’s current tennis like state.
The decision for who plays at outside-half may be decided simply on whether Phillips is at nine. Jonny Wilkinson’s name has cropped up again as Jeremy Guscott controversially makes him top number ten. But, with the lack of game time and the unpreditability of his fitness, England’s world cup winner will surely not be packing his boots for South Africa this summer.
The Irish success in Cardiff at the weekend will hopefully see O’Gara at the forefront of McGeechan’s plans, but considering the past McGeechan teams, the Wasps Director of Rugby will not be putting all his eggs into one basket. Three stand-offs that spring to mind will obviously be a combination of Rog, Stephen Jones and a more muscular looking James Hook. McGeechan likes to have a side all competing for test places, and there is not much more than a few caps that separate the three men mentioned above.
Illusions of grandure are again striking the hopes of England supporters who will now believe the Lions can include more Englishman after all. However, without condemning the team’s efforts in this term’s Six Nations championships, I will like to opt out of this fantasy as the combination of an Ireland and Wales starting line-up looks a more appetising prospect.
Henson and O’Driscoll may well be the centre partnership that should have been in '05, even though Roberts and Shanklin are a pairing that have brought Welsh rugby to life in the past 12 months. Or will Riki Flutely be the first player to play for and against a Lions setup? The hot-stepping Maori turned try-machine Pom may be making a case for the number 12 shirt, especially if he starts producing the goods under McGeechan at Adams Park.
The back three is also not as clean cut as many make out. Lee Byrne is almost definite to play at fifteen, but, although Shane Williams is a likely starter with the season he has had, is he good enough when up against the Habanas and Pietersens of the world? Maybe a stronger wing-partnership in defence will be appointed with maybe a bit more height to handle the high ball from Percy and co. The pace of Scotland’s Thom Evans could frighten even the cheetah racing Habana, and even the illusive feet of Bowe may feature at some point. Time will have to tell.
Captaincy? The easiest choice ironically. Although O’Driscoll is a great talisman in the Ireland dressing room, on a Lions tour that will only last six weeks, McGeechan should revert back to his old philosophy – big and intimidating for the prematch coin toss. Only one name fills that description, and that name is unfortunately Martin Johnson. One can only wish the man was twelve years younger however, so we’ll have to settle with Paul O’Connell to clutch the Lions’ Hallmark teddy when leading the side out.
The back row is also a head-scratcher. Ryan Jones playing at six for the most part of the Six Nations will create most problems. Were he to be wearing the number eight shirt again come June 20th, would Andy Powell or Jamie Heaslip have something to say? If only it was as easy as making the Lions a five nations side just so Italy’s Sergio Parrise would join the tour.
Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams are fighting for open-side. Although Williams has the edge with his ball stealing capabilities at the breakdown, Worsley can leave a few Boks stung in the tail in the loose.
The tight five will be instrumental in deciding the Lions’ fate also. Composure as well as strength up front has been lacking throughout the Six Nations, and as the boot of Montgomery and François Steyn will be a threat from anywhere on the pitch, the tight five will have to be disiplined as well as ruthless at the breakdown. Personally, I know as much as referees do when it comes to what goes on in the front rows, so an expert opinion will be needed to enlighten us on that front. Maybe Keith Wood can be a better judge of character? Over a cup of tea of course.
O’Connell and O’Callaghan makes it a double-0 in the locks. Alun Wyn Jones could pip Donnacha for the partnership, but with the formidable Irish pairing dominating in both the red of Munster and the green of Ireland, it's likely McGeechan will keep them at the spine of the side. While O’Callaghan continues to reek trouble in the loose, O’Connell will hopefully be causing toil at the set-piece.
Past Lions tours have seen many surprises. Martin Corry in 2001. Ryan Jones in 2005. The question shouldn’t be who is going to start, but who is going to rise above all expectations and become the ace in the Lions’ pack? Possibly an under-rated six hiding in the ranks?
It all sounds very glamourous picking a favourite combination of players from a power of four. The idea of predicting the player who will kick the winning points in the tour’s climax is indeed very awe-inspiring. Who wouldn’t want a Jerry Guscott style finish to spoil the world champions’ hopes of redemption? I know I would. But much more rugby is to be played between now and June, so in the aim to keep our tour dreams alive, lets keep the Boks second guessing.
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