All Blacks made demanding game look easy, says Lam

Pat Lam

They are already swimming in praise, but Auckland coach Pat Lam poured a bit more water in the All Blacks' pool last night.

He paid them what might be the ultimate tribute: that in their performances in winning the first two tests against the Lions they had made a demanding game look easy.

"But it requires a lot of hard work," he said. "New Zealand do have the advantage of natural talent, and the All Black coaches have done a fantastic job bringing that together.

"You can't take for granted what they've done off the field. That's most important. They've been able to bring the team together and you can see the leadership come through and the unity within the team."

Lam, the former All Black and Samoan No 8 and who spent several years playing for Northampton and Newcastle, and was on Scotland's coaching staff, has an intimate knowledge of Northern Hemisphere rugby.

He added his voice to the chorus proclaiming the Lions are top-heavy with players.

It's been an oft-sung line, but Lam's United Kingdom experience gives him a good insight into the requirements for a cohesive Lions party.

"I do think it's difficult when you have such a big squad," he said of the party which started at 45 and ballooned to 50 last week.

"Ultimately for every player, the best thing about touring is getting to know each other well and getting game time.

"But these guys are passionate about their rugby, they have high standards, and I believe not only our game but in the test on Saturday you'll see a better effort than what happened last week."

His assistant, former All Black and Welsh fullback Shane Howarth, pointed out the difficulty of gelling players from four nations.

"It's a huge ask. A few months ago they were belting locks out of each other. I think the Welsh were outstanding in the Six Nations, but it's about blending them all together."

Howarth would not buy into the criticism of Sir Clive Woodward's tour operation. Only one coach, Carwyn James in 1971, has managed to win a series in New Zealand.