Legal eagle for citing and sighting disaster

Judiciary and disciplinary are tough words to tackle in rugby at the best of times. And at the worst of times, you need a lawyer.

Sir Clive Woodward has said his Lions will be the best prepared rugby team in history. What he didn't say is they might also be the dirtiest, but the fact he's bringing a lawyer said it for him.

The Lions might not just be dirty on the field. Woodward knows in a squad of 44 players, there'll be an abundance of loose Lions who like the ladies, particularly in places like Christchurch.

No need for a lawyer, you would think. But the fallout nine months later with DNA testing on newborn offspring might be a different story.

During the tour, the Lions face a more menacing threat - the angry drunk. These locals will stalk the Lions at watering holes and any false move - a bump on the way to the bogs - could trigger an all-in brawl.

But lawyer Richard Smith is here primarily for on-field issues.

Woodward brought Smith on England's 2003 pre-World Cup tour Downunder and when that team got into citing trouble Smith's presence paid off. Last year, England lock Simon Shaw was sent off for kneeing an All Black in the back at Eden Park.

Woodward has presided over some niggly buggers with England alone. Throw in a few stroppy Scots, volatile Irishmen and the nutty Welsh and it could turn out to be a cocktail of pent-up aggression.

Citing is much more prevalent now anyway and, because the Lions are every opponent's game of a lifetime, the intensity intensifies.

Undoubtedly Woodward took legal advice on whether taking a legal adviser was advisable. Fortunately for him, rugby attracts lawyers by the truckload in Britain where it is the poshest sport after polo.

Woodward hopes Smith will be the most under-utilised member of his staff. But if Smith is called into action, he'll find New Zealand's legal system is based on the British one so there won't be the sort of culture clash encountered if Woodward had employed, for example, Ally McBeal.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY