No tinkering can deliver Lions backlash

There seems to be a lot of expectancy doing the rounds of a Lion’s backlash against the All Blacks next Saturday in Wellington. A lot of fighting talk from Irish fans consumed with rage over the taking out of Brian O’Driscoll. It’s all going to come to naught though, as the Kiwi’s will probably run rampant over the Lions in dry weather.

The problem for the Lions, is, Clive Woodward. The way he has set up and prepared the team to play is fundamentally wrong. And if the fundamentals are wrong against sides of the calibre of the All Blacks, then cricket scores can be expected.

Changing the personnel in the starting Test 15 for the second test isn’t really going to cut it. It needs to be done all the same, but, the combinations won’t work.

The Lions looked like, were and still are a side that haven’t played the right amount of rugby together in the key positions to turn this Test series around.


Putting the right team out, will surely see an improvement to the tourists game, but, they were so far behind the New Zealanders in terms of basic play last Saturday, that it would be nigh on impossible for them to get within 10 points of the ABs next Saturday. Remember, the ABs are traditionally slow starters when it comes to Test series and they will get better.

Spudnik’s 15: [Two of these I nicked from the Guardian along with the style, but as I couldn’t put it better myself, I’ll decided to go with them]

Full-back
First Test Jason Robinson
Second Test Gareth Thomas

Robinson is out of form. There is a case for picking Geordan Murphy here, but it’s easier to Captain a side from 15 than the wing.


Right wing
First Test Josh Lewsey
Second Test Josh Lewsey

Not a bad performance the first day out, but not his best either. Could be used as an interesting option at outside centre, though that would be too radical for Woodward and maybe too knee-jerk.

Outside centre
First Test Brian O'Driscoll
Second Test Gavin Henson

A risky option as I have Henson to partner Shane Horgan to give the right blend of braun and brain. Woodward won’t risk it and the Irishman could start on the wing with wilko at 12.

Inside centre
First Test Jonny Wilkinson
Second Test Shane Horgan

No complaints about Horgan on this tour. Has adapted to the style and pace without too much bother. Partnering him with Henson is problematic as it’s a new combination and neither is a born leader. Risky, but could be worth it.

Left wing
First Test Gareth Thomas
Second Test Geordan Murphy

Surprised he doesn’t seem to have been considered at all. A Genius with the ball at close quarters, the type of thing you need in New Zealand

Fly-half
First Test Stephen Jones
Second Test Stephen Jones

If Wilkinson's all-round game were in better shape he would undoubtedly be a fixture at No10. Instead Jones should remain at fly-half with Jonny on the bench.

Scrum-half
First Test Dwayne Peel
Second Test Dwayne Peel

Got bullied by Byron Kelleher when he came on and will face him again on Saturday now Kelleher’s been picked. Lacked command and didn’t communicate with hooker or jumpers at lineout time. Still better than Dawson who is unreliable.

Loosehead prop
First Test Gethin Jenkins
Second Test Andrew Sheridan

The Lions need more power in the forwards to tie up the Kiwi backrow.

Hooker
First Test Shane Byrne
Second Test Steve Thompson

Byrne missed two throws and the darts he hit on target had kiwi’s all over them. Not all his fault, but as Thompson will supply the same lineout success rate he’ll get the nod for his all round play.

Tighthead prop
First Test Julian White
Second Test Gethin Jenkins

Moving Jenkins across to the other side of the scrum is one hell of a tough ask but these are desperate times.

Lock
First Test Paul O'Connell
Second Test Paul O'Connell

The next Martin Johnson? He really needs to earn his stripes down under. Will never play the ABs for the Lions again. Needs to show more leadership. Well beaten last Saturday.

Lock
First Test Ben Kay
Second Test Donncha O'Callaghan

Offers much more aggression. Loves to contest the opposition lineout. Will be a major nuisance. Could be the making of him in the big time.

Blindside flanker
First Test Richard Hill
Second Test Simon Easterby

Offers a real good lineout option at the back which would nullify Williams and Jack jumping all over one and two in the lineout. Loves the destructive ground work at the breakdown, but, doesn’t carry well and Woodward will go with Corry here.

Openside flanker
First Test Neil Back
Second Test Neil Back

A lot of calls of Lewis Moody here, but, Back was playing with a pack going backwards last week and had a decent game. If Moody plays here you’d have to go with Easterby at 6 for the balance.

No 8
First Test Martin Corry
Second Test Ryan Jones

What can you say about the Welshman. The only Lion to take this tour by storm. Go on son!