Readers' comments on the Lions Tour

Listed below are some readers' comments on the Lions Tour. For the latest coments, click on the link at the bottom of this page.

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Dan Carter for President! Pure Class.
Jo, NZ, 2.7.05

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Congratulations to the All Blacks. Great game. It's unfortunate that the tour was soured by "that" tackle. No, it wasn't soured by the tackle, but by the utter nonsense that followed. Spin doesn't win rugby matches. Nice one ABs. Make it 3-0!
Greg, France, 2.7.05

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I'm English, but love the All Blacks (got the shirt!). If England can't win, I always want the All Blacks to win. They are superb. But the ABs clearly don't believe that they can win without continuous off-the-ball fouling. They are much better than that. They should believe in themselves so much more: and win by playing pure untainted rugby. Today's margin might not have been so great without the off-ball blocks/tackles/etc, but the ABs would still have won. Close the door on the detractors: play the game and show that the ABs are just the best.
Andrew Main, 2.7.05

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Amidst all the brouhaha over the "Umaga Incident", an important facts has passed us by. The suspension of Danny Grewcock - his third suspension in tests in New Zealand. And this time, it wasn't for use of the boots but use of the teeth! A Lion bites an All Black, and it's all the All Blacks' fault that the spirit between the teams is in tatters. Has Danny Grewcock rung Kevan Mealamu to apologise?
Tony Stuart, NZ, 2.7.05  

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Gracious winners, gracious losers  

none of the above on this tour are there.
but its harder to be a gracious loser
easier to be a gracious winner
and NZ has missed the easiest test of all
not whingeing like a "Pom", even though they won
how sad
played well
but my, personalities are shown in their poor winning ways
good game NZ, good game.
Shame you let yourselves down, by being very poor winners.

"Neutral", 2.7.05  

***

Tana Umaga and the All Blacks will once again demonstrate to the Lions how rugby should be played and give the Lions a thrashing in the second Test. Byron, with his physique, will torment the Lions with his forceful runs from the scrums. Ali Williams and Chris Jack will continue to teach the Lions how lineouts are to be won. Richie McCaw will win possession and give the Lions defence a tormenting session. Jerry Collins will harass the Lions with his damaging runs against the Lions' defence. Sivivatu and Rico will run like there's no tomorrow when the ball is delivered to them. Mils will ensure that the Lions don't cross the try line. Daniel Carter, Aaron and Tana Umaga will show the rugby world how much Wilkinson is over-rated by Clive.

Clive will leave to regret his arrogance of sticking with the has-beens of rugby. The front row which the Clive thinks the Lions can intimidate will be in for another beating. Finally, Daniel will add the points on the score board with his boots. Clive, have you prepared your post match meet-the-press speech?  When you run out of excuses for your loss on 2 July, blame Tana for the tackle and for not apologizing, then cry yourself to sleep and await the next loss on 9 July!
Stanley Tan, Malaysia, 2.7.05 

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The whole philosophy of what the Lions are needs changing. They have become a northern hemisphere test team, with huge public expectations and all the hype and negativity that seems to come with that today. Instead - I'd change the Lions into a NH touring exhibition side. Instead of it being all about winning, change the ethos to one that they come to enjoy playing, and we watch to enjoy good rugby. Players will be selected for their flair, star status, or potential. The team's main goal will be to put on a good show. They will try to win of course, but that will no longer be the main aim. I want to enjoy watching these games, and I don't enjoy the negative press and public reaction (on both sides), I don't enjoy the over-hype and "must-win" ethos. This is not a national side. Play to entertain!
Chris, Sydney, 2.7.05 

*** 

As a bewilded spectator of the tour. I have grave concerns for future tours. After Australia, and now NZ, if the result today is a loss. Bearing in mind the cost of this tour with the hanger-ons etc. The media extravaganza. Will the Lions circus become devalued? My childhood was as a Pom growing up on NZ rugby. My fellow kiwi mates at least gave me some credibility when the Lions were on tour. I think that there are a lot of supporters that will not make the sacrifices to save up enough money in four years time if this is what we get in return. We dearly do need to win on Saturday.
Ian Hilton, 2.7.05  

***  

Alastair Campbell has been well worth the money. He set's up a smoke screen, and now everyone is talking about everything else but the rugby. He is clever - but is he too clever? Umaga is highly repected in NZ as he has mana. He is highly repsected by his team mates. People will rally around him on Saturday because he deserves their support as an ambassador to the game. His team will rally around him when they get on the field to play rugby. I sincerely hope this works against the smoke in mirrors that Woodward has employed. The game has moved on Clive but not to the level you are trying to sink it to.
Steve, 2.7.05


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If we win the next three games, the question is irrelevant. If we don't - especially the two tests - Woodward's junket will be ripped apart by fans and media alike. He has set himself up for a microscopic examination of his career, and it won't just be his book "Winning" which will suffer. It's not the money surprisingly, it's the arrogance of booking people like Alastair Campbell and SIX PR assistants, 45 players and 30 camp followers. It's like a Victorian expedition into the African hinterlands, with baggage handlers, kit carriers etc. The object to win (or discover Amazonia).
Dave Edwards, 1.7.05

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The Wales on Sunday front page said it all. £5.8 million and 3 test points - 2 million a point is too much - got to do better
Gareth Parsons, Wales, 1.7.05

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Other than Josh Lewsey and Shane Williams, no other Lion as demonstrated the ethos and passion of a real Lion. Die for that shirt!
S Faithfull, 30.6.05

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Last time I was really annoyed about an incident in sport was when Trevor Chappell bowled underarm to deprive New Zealand of a chance of winning a cricket match. At least Greg and Trevor Chappell have since expressed their regret and embarrassment over the incident. A good sportsman should be capable of acknowledging their mistakes, especially ones where an opposing player is badly injured.
Bill Grimson, Ireland, 30.6.05

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Let's all hope that the new look Lions test team can actually play a bit of rugby. At last we have seen the selection of some decent runners and playmakers, mostly Welsh I'm proud to say, but there are still a few questions about some of the English players' inclusion (Jason Robinson.)
Huw Davidson, 30.6.05

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The team for the second test is a bit more like it, but still Woodward is choosing players based on memory. Robinson, White and both hookers are not having good tours. But at the same time Ollie Smith, Andy Sheridan and Gordon Bulloch are bang in form and look likely to provide desperately needed answers. Woodward seems totally unable to identify this. But still they can't make the bench. His reputation in the UK is taking a hammering, and is severely tarnishing his previous good reputation. Second test will be much closer, but we might have to wait until the final test to see the best Lions team finally identified.
Tom Johnston, UK, 30.6.05  

***

Second test - too little, too late. They would have been more competitive if they had bought Wilkinson off the bench. The ABs would have still won as they will in the second test, however the Lions backs should have more cohesion, but will still lack penentration.
Simon Lattimer, Australia, 30.6.05

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Umaga's so-called explanation of the tackle incident on O'Driscoll will cause a lot of rugby fans to lose the last shred of respect they have for him and, by extension, the All Blacks. This macho diatribe showed no remorse whatsoever and tried to present this thuggery as a normal part of rugby. The All-Blacks can prepare themselves for a very hostile reception from the fans on their autumn tour of the northern hemisphere, fans who up until now have always held them in very high regard.
John Scannell, Germany, 30.6.05

***

Unfortunately the only selection change that that would make any significant improvement to the Lions would have been to replace Clive Woodward with Ian McGeechan.
Paul Newman, NZ, 29.6.05

***

Its fantastic to see Byron Kelleher finnaly get to play a full game. Sorry, Marshall, but your time is up and its time to let the young guns have a go. Thank god the NZRU has not made the same decision as Australia, hanging on to Gregan till the next World Cup. Both Marshall and Gregan have had a wonderful 10 years at the helm and its time for both to move on with dignity and style.
Paul Little, 29.6.05

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Never, ever change a winning team until the job is done! Whilst happy to see players who were not deservedly dropped in the first place (Muliaina) or others who bring exciting skills to the table (Kelleher), it smacks of over over-confidence when you additionally select largely-untried squad members (Gear) all in the name of "development". Forgive me if I'm wrong, but isn't it usually the aim to "develop" players so they are ready for the Big Matches ? And, as far as I'm aware, a Lions test qualifies as a Big Match. And it's a three test series, isn't it?
Mark, London, 29.6.05  

*** 

Thanks to the Lions for showing us how stupid the NZRFU are. I appreciate this isn't difficult but still... 103-6. And Manawatu are in the Premier Division as of 2006. Premier at what? Certainly not at being any good. If this game was, as they claim, so important to them, I don't even want to consider how they'll play in a ho-hum games next season. Obviously they made no changes to training, routines whatsoever. Pathetic. Oh, and I'll lay any money at any odds that Northland won't win a single NPC game this year. But of course they'll be back in 2006. With enemies like the NZRFU, rugby league doesn't actually need many friends.
Ian, NZ, 29.6.05 

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What has suprised me about the All Black's squad is why isn't Otago utility back Nick Evans in the team. He is by far the next best contender for the all blacks number 10 jersey (after Dan Carter) and he is up there contending for the number 15 jersey. He is a far more versatile player than Leon Macdonald who has made it in to the team as a fullback with a cover for first five. For a start his kicking game is a lot better and believe it or not he can actually make the place kicks go over the posts - if you remember back to the World Cup where MacDonald took shocking place kicks in the semi final. Also Joe Rokocoko has got to be in the All Blacks. OK, he didn't have a very good Super 12 but, surely because of his experience and pure talent, as soon as he pulls on the black jersey his heart and confidence will be back straight away. Just look at his performance for the Junior All Blacks.
Tim Rogers, 28.6.05 

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Your editorial suggesting Tana Umaga has fallen from grace with the rugby public is far off the mark. Instead, I have grave concerns that the Herald has pandered under pressure to the incessant whingeing and spin that the Lions management are the unchallenged world champions at in deference to producing a team capable of competing with the ABs. We as a rugby nation have nothing to be apologetic for, the ABs outplayed the Lions in every facet and we're tough. This smoke screen concerning "the tackle" overshadows the fact that genuine thugs still abound in Northern Hemisphere Rugby. How else would you describe a "biter".
Terry Knight, Gold Coast, Australia, 28.6.05

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The absence of any apology from Umaga is disgraceful. I don't think the Lions tour should bother with New Zealand in future. Let's put the money into grass-roots rugby in the British Isles.
Ronan, 28.6.05

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Rugby is naturally a game for hardened guys only, be they the great All Blacks or the visiting Lions. Thus all this moaning about so-called foul play by our great All Blacks is just another bout of common British whining and enviousness because they simply hate to lose to us "small" Kiwis. If the Lions can't take the smoke in the kitchen then leave it. Or, emigrate to New Zealand to learn to play rugby.
Lisa, Copenhagen (ex-Auckland), 28.6.05

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The illegal tackle has taken a little from the respect I once had for the AB jersey. For me, they were always the good guys dressed in black. It's a pity really. Is this what professionalism has done to the game? Win, no matter what the cost. Nice motto for NZ's 2011 Rugby World Cup bid though!
Kevin Lynch, Dublin, 28.6.05

***

Spear tackle or no spear tackle, the reaction of Tana Umaga and the All Black's management toward the incident that caused the injury to Brian O'Driscoll is despicable. Their cowardice in not facing up to the matter bring shame on us all. A simple apology would have diffused the situation entirely, but because they don't have the guts to admit a mistake, intentional or otherwise, they have detracted from the glory of the victory, and instead focused attention on their disgusting behaviour. A "Black" day indeed.
Paul Sher, NZ, 28.6.05

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I can't help but liken Sir Clive standing in front of the screen last night pointing out where the 2 All Black players had "fouled" O'Driscoll to that of Colin Powell doing exactly the same thing in pointing out where the Iraqis were hiding Weapons of Mass Destruction. Even from the photographic evidence there was no evidence of the player being picked up and driven, spear like, into the ground. To openly accuse an independant citing commissioner of being biased is an offence in itself and Clive should be mindful of exactly what rubbish he is spewing at the media, it's all starting to become very familiar from the worst loser in the world. If he's going off to Southampton, then he better get used to it...
Greg, 28.6.05

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I am a 56 year old rugby fanatic, and will watch all teams. Had two sons who played very well. Sorry Brian and Clive that was not a spear tackle and you both know that. If you watch League there you will see some real spear tackles both in the north and south teams. You fell awkwardly and were unfortunate to injure your shoulder. I think you have let your team/troops down very badly as their Captain/Leader, to be so self absorbed and public, about your personal feelings at the beginning of what maybe their lifetime tour. Being Irish, I am disappointed that you have not been mature enough to handle this mishap with dignity and take it like a man. Rugby is a man's game and has become soft enough as it is. If you can't take the pain - don't play the game!
Eileen, NZ, 28.6.05

***

Tana once said, we're not playing tiddly winks ref, so that about sums him up. He's hard and well respected on this side of the planet, having said that, if O'Driscoll wants to get even, he'll have to wait till the All Blacks tour Britain at the end of the year in search of a grandslam.
Taupe, NZ, 28.6.05

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Yes the ABs were much the better side and deserved the victory without a doubt. Yes rugby is a hard game and injuries of any description are to be expected. But I find it difficult to understand some of the AB supporters' view that what happened to O'Driscoll was fair. It was dangerous and illegal and Umaga's silence since then seems to indicate he knows as much. Pity that the ABs will face the lions on Saturday knowing they that despite Woodwards shambolic selection they have deprived themselves of an opportunity to test themselves (especially Umaga) against the Lions and one best centres in the world.
Grahame, Dublin, 28.6.05

***

Awesome All Blacks! I watched the game in a room full of middle aged Poms, and you could have run Huntly power station from the amount of whingeing going on: spear tackles, forward passes, one-eyed referees, it was never ending. My guess is they prefer the game to be mind-numbingly slow, and won on penalties or drop-goals. As previous readers have said, rugby is a contact sport, and injuries occur. But, as I told these sour-faced English, the scoreboard had the final word on Saturday.
Joe, 28.6.05

***

Boo hoo Brian. If you're going to hang around in the ruck area, learn how to fall buddy! PS. Sorry no-one but Justin said goodbye, good manners in rugby went out the door with amateur play - sad but true.
Karl Hansen, Australia, 28.6.05

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Clive, please wind your neck in. As a Lions fan who lives in New Zealand, putting up with your rhetoric is worse than having to watch your poorly selected and prepared "team". It's a great shame that BOD's tour is over but rugby has always been a hard game. Tana is a hard but fair player. Can you get back to the real issues please: why a squad of talented individuals has become a squad of individuals and just what is your selection criteria. One question I would love to have put to you at one of the press conferences: "Do you think you would enjoy a night out with the 1000s of Lions?" I reckon it would do you good to be brought down to Earth a bit.
Gareth, Auckland, 27.6.05

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As an Irishman, I have watched and supported the ABs for a long time, with the exception of when they play the men in green. The reputation and respect they have had in Ireland over the decades is huge among the rugby public. I would like to extend congratulations to Justin Marshall for the only AB having the decency to acknowledge and show concern for O'Driscoll as he was taken off the pitch on a stretcher. Tana should hang his head in shame, but more so for being captain and not having the same courtesy as Marshall. Speaking to some people in rugby circles in Ireland over the weekend, the general consensus is will take a long time for the ABs to regain that respect and support they enjoyed from the Emerald Isle for many years.
John Luke, NZ, 27.6.05

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It was not a spear-tackle. O'Driscoll was lifted and then released in mid-air to clear the ruck. Unfortunately for him he landed on his shoulder. A spear-tackle is where you would have to follow through and dump the player on the ground. There was no follow-through, he was just released in mid-air. I feel sorry for O'Driscoll, but the intent was just to remove him from the ruck. There was no intent to spear-tackle him. There was intent to lift him up and drop him on the ground, not to drive him into the ground.
John, Auckland, 27.6.05

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I am a true All Black fan, make no doubt about that, and I'm very happy that we won the first test. However, I was not at all happy to see the best inside centre in the world taken out like that. Watching Brian being stretched out and taken off the field of play was very sad especially when it was just a few minutes after gametime. To see those pictures makes me feel sick that he was spear tackled, which in my view is a very cheap shot and dangerous to say the least. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see the great man once again on the rugby field where he belongs.
Daniel Iuli, 27.6.05

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Funny how the words tackle and spear are getting put on this spin from Clive and the worst Lions team to be sent to NZ for a long time. This was not a tackle, it was a ruck, 2 and 13 where clearing the professional fouling hands of O'Driscoll by removing the infringing player as all good forward play would dictate. This can clearly be seen by the way O'Driscoll is standing on the first camera shot, the way he is bending over. The play did not finish until after the ball had left, but this could not be seen by 2 & 13, and also they only helped him on the way that he had already started (head down and bum up). Any New Zealand forward would tell you that you do not start that sort of play without expecting someone trying to clear you from the area.
Andrew Greenslade, 27.6.05

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Does "mana" include a notion of fair play? If so, the All Blacks captain has just lost his. It was a clearly foul and sickening incident, which deprived the Lion's of their best attacking weapon, not to mention their captain. Outside of these three islands the incident will be viewed for what it was - a dirty, unnecessary, cheap shot.
Milan, NZ, 27.6.05

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I am a Welshman who has been watching the Lions tour with great interest. I hve always enjoyed watching the All Blacks' style of play, tough as it is at times. However, the spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoll was in my opinion both cynical and disgraceful and will only serve to harm The All Blacks' reputation the world over. Would your reaction have been the same if he had been crippled or killed from a broken neck, a real possibility from such a malicious tackle? Both players should play no further part in these tests.
Adrian Sleeman, UK, 27.6.05

***

Give the All Blacks a break. They won the game. The injury to the Lions captain was a tragedy but don't let it take away from the All blacks dominating performance in the lineouts and scrums. The lions did not have a prayer. Go All Blacks.
George, 27.6.05

***

Rugby is, and has always has been, a hard contact sport. The recent test was surprising in that there were very few exchanges of ill feeling, and in fact seemed to be played in a fairly sportsman like manner. I wonder how much bad blood the Lions management would be generating if they, and not the ABs had won? Is it then purely a public relations gimmick to mask a weak and ineffectual performance?
Jim Robertson, NZ, 27.6.05

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It's hard to see what other conclusion can be drawn from the video and the photos than one of dangerous play, spearing, obstruction against both All Blacks players. If that happened on the street they'd both be guilty of assault. If O'Driscoll had even been in possession of the ball it was all of the above, except the obstruction. He gets his shoulder wrecked and is out of the tour; the All Blacks' hooker gets a booboo on his pinky and the Lion gets suspended and sent home? In Canada we'd expect better of real men. Instead we get the All Blacks whinge. Pathetic!
Richard, Canada, 27.6.05

***

A Black, black day. If NZ 2 and 13 are included in the rest of the series, then it's not rugby and it's not worth watching.
Stephen Glanville, 27.6.05

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Congratulations to Sir Clive and "Baby" O'Driscoll for the worst smoke and mirrors act on record. Rugby, like any contact sport, will result in injuries of a freakish nature. Sorry chaps, but no amount of bleating and finger pointing will divert the stunned stares of your compatriots at the scoreboard which tells the real story of what happened at Jade Stadium on Saturday night.
Chris Stokes, 27.6.05

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Just imagine the furore from the NZ media and public if Sir Clive had said "just get over it" like Hansen did about the disgraceful spear tackle committed by Umaga and Mealamu on Saturday night. Umaga and co have bought NZ rugby to a new low and Hansen and Henry are just as guilty via their ignorant dismissal of the situation. Umaga is a disgrace. Its a callous open season on the Lions and I for one hope they don't bother touring here again.
Phil Haizelden, NZ, 27.6.05

***

I watched this great game in Brisbane and I was the only black-dressed person in that pub. I tell you what, what a feeling, what a game. And what boys - they made me so proud I nearly cried at the sight of those guys showing the world why they are the All Blacks. Special thanks to Tana and Marshall. Go Blacks.
Tony, 26.5.05

***

Ego,ego,ego. For the head coach of the tour party it's not about the team it's about him and it shows. Team sports should all be about we, not me. The man left his English post when it was evident that the likes of Martin Johnson wouldn't be around. As Scott Gibbs of Wales said on BBC Wales TV last year "Woodward couldn't coach a pig to get dirty".
Colin Reynolds, Swansea, Wales, 26.5.05

***

Well what a travesty of justice! The All Blacks commited foul after foul and went unpunished. This was clearly a case of the better team lost.
Trevor Jones, 26.5.05

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In Dubai this morning I witnessed a miracle - rain by the bucketful appearing out of the desert. When I opened my eyes (or rather relinquished their hold on the screen) I realised this was from the tears of the thousands of Welsh, Irish and English expats who live in this part of the world. Thank you ABs for making my day. It nearly makes up for being in Sydney when Johny "come lately" Wilkinson slotted that kick in 2003. Can't wait for the Wellington and Auckland Tests.
Stu, Dubai, 26.5.05

***

Well deserved win by the ABs, pity about the spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoll. Winning by taking out the better opposition players before they have had a chance on the ball is unworthy of the All Black jersey. The referee loved you. Lost count of the amount of knock-ons and forward passes he missed including Umaga to Sivivatu for the try. Of course by that stage Umaga should have been off the field. Roll on next Saturday when, hopefully, Woodward will exercise some brain power and pick a side that can challenge these ABs.
Diarmuid Boyd, 26.5.05

***

Sir Clive will have to pick in form players to keep the test match series alive. Look out for Grewcock to replace Kay, who should not have been in, Costello must replace Back and Murphy must replace Robinson at full back. Don't be surprised to see Lewsey playing 13. The only way we can get back into this series is to attack, attack and attack, put the Blacks on the back foot and of course win the lineout battle.
Paul Crosby, UK, 26.5.05

***

Great job, Black. All the way round. This was a convincing powerhouse victory. The Lions should be greatful we didn't put up 50 points. Let's hope Sir Clive picks another bunch of Englishmen for the next test. Umaga was awesome in the midfield. Looking forward to next week. Go Black!
Marvin Aiono, 25.6.05

***

An outstanding performance from the All Blacks; conversely, for the "best-prepared Lions team ever", another major disappointment. The Lions were totally dominated by an All Black side which will only get better. Of most significance though - Sir Clive has been totally out-thought and out-manoeuvred by the trio of Henry, Smith and Hansen. Three-nil, while by no means a formality, looks to be a pretty good bet.
Tony Stuart, NZ, 25.6.05

***

Lions Rugby was buried in Christchurch tonight. The performance was woeful and against a New Zealand side superior in every aspect of play, the Lions faltered and were put to rest. Woodward's selection blunders were inconsequential - on tonight's evidence, whoever he had selected would have been blown away by this All Black team. It begs the question if any scratch side can be put together to face a full International team. Let's face it, he is yesterday's man and is already out of touch with the modern game as espoused by the All Blacks and to some extent Wales. The Lions will lose the remaining matches, but for the sake of their tradition let's go down trying to play rugby.
Rowland Powell, UK, 25.6.05

***

As a Welshman sitting here watching that load of rubbish from an ageing English-dominated team, half of whom weren't fit to play in any of the dismal Six Nations campaign, I'm annoyed. Annoyed that "Sir" CW takes 46 players dominated by Englishmen who won the World Cup 2 years ago and have shown little since. Annoyed that he's taken a host of coaches who must be confusing the hell out of the team. Annoyed that people have saved for 4 years to watch him put out a team we all knew about months in advance to play a game that's moved on since he was involved a whole year ago. It's pathetic and to hear his post match interview was the icing on the cake. This man won't change - our defence was poor, our clearing out woeful, kicking incredibly poor, tactics dull, selection lacking vison and the bench full of even more has-beens.
Matt Lloyd, Wales, 25.6.05

***

OK, NZ deserved to win that one. They gained the advantage in the first quarter and never gave it up. Lions unlucky to lose their captain at the start and the yellow card was deserved, all at a time when NZ were establishing their momentum. But why wasn't Umaga (I think it was him) penalised for tripping in the open? I felt the ref had a poor game, especially with the scrum. Continual wheeling by NZ went unpunished. Again, it made no difference as the Lions practically gave up at the line-out. A lot of work for Clive Woodward to do. I would keep Wilkinson as he did make some great tackles but the flair of Gavin Henson is needed, desperately. I live in hope, but not a lot of it!
Steve Goodman, 25.6.05

***

What scares me the most is the backlash the ABs are going to get from Wales and Ireland come the end of year northern hemisphere tour. Just a thought.
D Mehana, NZ, 25.6.05

***

O'Driscoll will be the main attacking threat off moves within the NZ 22. The Lions will kick for position and exercise their superiority in the lineout with the Irish combination of Shane Byrne throwing to Paul O'Connell. The back three looks pretty much interchangeable and expect Lewsey to be in the full back slot as often as Robinson. Lions to win by eleven points 24-13. This could look very foolish tomorrow.
Val, 25.6.05

***

My prediction is a Lions win in the first test. You make fun of Clive Woodward but he won the world cup with Dad's Army, remember? He also spanked you in your backyard two years ago(remember the six-man scrum?) I confidently predict a Lions win tonight, but a series win for NZ.
Eric Pearce, UK, 25.6.05

***

We've all read the distaste shown by the Welsh etc about Sir Clive picking quite a few English players. As an Englishman I think that the minority countries have been favoured. If you compare the populations in these countries, as at June 2003, and based on a squad of 22, England should have 18 players, N. Ireland 0.6 of a player - perhaps a very short half back, Scotland should have 1.8 players and Wales should have 1.08 players. In my view the Welsh and Irish have been favoured at the expense of the World Cup winners. Now that's disgusting!
David Harlock, NZ, 24.6.05

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Clive Woodward-coached rugby teams are famous for stretching the rules to the limit. The Lions are no exception, and in their tour matches have broken the law at virtually every ruck, maul and setpiece. After a while, referees turn a blind eye to these indiscretions because they want to keep the game flowing and do not want to be giving a penalty every 30 seconds. Every Lions player penalised also manages to have a long debate with the referee about the pros and cons of each penalty. This holds up the opposition and slows the game. My problem is the double standards being exhibited by New Zealand referees. In Super 12 games, teams acting this way would be penalised and yellow-carded off the paddock by the same officials, yet Sir Clive's teams seem to get away with it. Are there two sets of rules in rugby - one for the British and one for the rest? Or are we simply afraid to step on toes at the International Rugby Board by enforcing the rules?
Dallas Sherringham, New South Wales, 24.6.05

***

There is much talk of the omission of Gavin Henson from the 1st test, but the player who has been the most consitent centre on tour is Tom Shanklin. Woodward's extremely conservative selection also does not in