Kit Farrell: My words were for motivation

Nobody should be surprised by the Lions' capitulation in this series. I know, I know, many of you have pointed out that in consecutive weeks I predicted a Lions series win by 3-0, then revised that to 2-0 with a draw.

Shouldn't I be embarrassed, you ask? Not at all. On the contrary, I consider myself a motivating force.

Clearly Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Henton were stung by my very pertinent observations, picked up on the relevant strands and made adjustments accordingly. It's what makes them excellent coaches and myself an important columnist.

Indeed, I'm considering a fulltime move into the news media within the next few years. My injury-ravaged Super 12 has told me I've not got long left in this game.

I was considering making an announcement on my NPC future this week but did not want the news to overshadow the achievements of the All Blacks.

The most disappointing aspect of the Lions has been their constant whining at the referees. If they had asked me earlier I would have pointed out a sage piece of advice I received from my uncle Kevin on the day I received my first red card.

"There is as much point in arguing with refs as it is arguing with teachers," he said. "They are know-all bastards and you're far better off slashing their tyres than trying to reason with them."

Even as a five-year-old that memory sticks with me, as does the absolute leathering he gave me the following week after I slashed the tyres of the ref's Fairmont.

Everybody is having a crack at Sir Clive Woodward now, but aren't we being a bit wise after the event? I'm sure we'd trade this series win for the World Cup medal he owns.

I haven't had a lot to do with Woodward over the years but he's always struck me as a good bloke. Sure, he's assembled the most expensive bunch of flops in sporting history, probably killed the chances of the Lions ever touring here again, played favourites, selected like a goat and introduced us to the strange world of Alastair Campbell but where's the harm in all that?

- HERALD ON SUNDAY