Woodward and his Lions depart for ultimate test

LONDON - The 2005 British and Irish Lions tour began in earnest on Wednesday when the squad, minus three potential test starters, set off from Heathrow airport for New Zealand and the toughest challenge in world rugby.

Along with the players and coach Clive Woodward, a further 26 support staff were on board to ensure that every eventuality is catered for over the 11-match, three-test tour spanning next seven weeks.

"We are acutely aware of the size of the challenge. Nobody needs to tell us how tough it's going to be or how much it matters to the New Zealanders," Woodward told a news conference before leaving London.

"But I have a simple message for them -- this is the best-prepared Lions tour in history. I know from my time with the squad that we have the makings of a great test team."

What that team will be come the first test Christchurch on June 25 will be determined by the first six tour games but Woodward has to make some assumptions on top of what he sees on the field.

Flanker Neil Back will miss the first three of them -- starting against Bay of Plenty on June 4 -- following his ban for punching Joe Worsley in the English Premiership final.

Winger Jason Robinson will miss at least the first two after being given permission to delay joining the squad to spend time with his pregnant wife.

Fullback Gareth Thomas and first five-eighths Stephen Jones, both important members of Wales' grand slam-winning team, will also arrive late as they are still have work to do for their clubs in the French championship.

Woodward will have a difficult job having a good look at all the possible combinations in a group that dwarfs all previous Lions squads but said that just about everything is up for grabs.

"We will be picking on form for the first test match, not on reputation," he said.

"I've got an idea of who I will pick to play the All Blacks but it's no clearer than anyone else's.

"People tend to come through very strongly on Lions tours. Guys you might not initially think should be in the test side when the squad is announced start to impress and force their way into the reckoning.

"That's what touring is about and I don't see this trip being any different. I'll be looking very closely at what happens in every game."

He already has Monday's 25-25 draw with Argentina to work on but England's former World Cup-winning coach says he is unconcerned by the Lions' poor display in Cardiff.

"It was disappointing to finish with a draw but no more than that and we've moved on already," he said, adding that all his players had come through the game without any injuries. "I've been on many tours as a player and a coach so I know it takes time to gel players from different countries. But I know we will gel from what I've seen on the training pitch -- the attitude of the players and coaches has been fantastic.

"On the plane tonight will be some of the finest players in the world. In the weeks ahead we have to make them a world-class team and I believe we can do that."

- REUTERS