The world is with us, says Woodward

Clive Woodward is exuding confidence, depsite an unspectacular build-up. Picture / Fotopress

Coach Sir Clive Woodward reckons his Lions team will have the rugby world behind them for the first test tonight.

A confident Woodward is convinced he has done all he can to prepare his team for the series, and believes he has the right players with the right attitude to overcome the world No 1 ranked side, the All Blacks, and overturn a host of failed Lions tours here.

He said yesterday that his team were buoyed by support from many figures, including messages from British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Springbok coach Jake White.

He said: "I've got no doubts the rugby world would like the Lions to do really well."

White this week gave the Times newspaper in London a blueprint on the best way of toppling the All Blacks, outlining the game plan his team used to win at Johannesburg last year and clinch the Tri-Nations series.

While Woodward was giving nothing away, he rejected suggestions he had made a conservative selection, featuring 13 England players in his squad of 22.

"I've just looked at this first test match, every player and how they stack up for the big occasion," Woodward said.

"We're well prepared and well rested. I believe it's which team, which set of players, and which coaches handle the pressure of the occasion greatest.

"We've picked up 3 to 4 injuries on the way but other than that it's gone to plan, I wouldn't change anything."

Woodward wouldn't be pushed on his suggestions in the previous 24 hours that the All Blacks could wilt under the weight of hometown expectation, insisting he "hadn't thought about the All Blacks".

Woodward said he didn't care if the cold, wet conditions forecast for tonight eventuated, saying his players could win in any conditions.

Sir Clive Woodward's record since winning the World Cup in Nov 2003

2004
Feb 15: England 50 Italy 9
Feb 21: England 35 Scotland 13
March 6: Ireland 19 England 13
March 20: England 31 Wales 21
March 27: France 24 England 21
June 12: New Zealand 36 England 3
June 19: New Zealand 36 England 12
June 26: Australia 51 England 15
Resigns as England coach in September. Took over as Lions coach.

2005
June 23: Lions 25 Argentina 25
June 4: Lions 36 Bay of Plenty 15
June 8: Lions 36 Taranaki 14
June 11: New Zealand Maori 19 Lions 13
June 15: Lions 23 Wellington 6
June 18: Lions 30 Otago 19
June 21: Lions 26 Southland 16

- NZPA