Woodward sidesteps All Black halfback debate

Clive Woodward

Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward stayed away from the looming All Black halfback row last night.

The Justin Marshall v Byron Kelleher question is shaping as the most contentious selection issue in years ahead of the opening test in Christchurch on June 25.

The All Black selectors have stayed silent on the topic since Marshall launched a machine-gun attack on them last weekend.

Marshall undoubtedly has strong public support. But Kelleher was the encumbent in the rousing win over France in Paris last November and although Marshall's stellar form has been a key element in the Crusaders campaign the whisper is that the Chiefs man, providing he is fully fit, is in pole position.

The fact that Kelleher is one of four All Blacks due at a breakfast with four Lions in Auckland today adds weight to that belief.

"We all know Marshall is a world class player but I'm sure it will be a strong side whoever he [coach Graham Henry] picks," Woodward said.

He said his sole concern was the Lions and getting them prepared for the test series and whatever was going on within the confines of the All Black operation was "pretty irrelevant to me".

But he gave a thumbs up to New Zealand's ability to host the 2011 World Cup.

It is a three-horse race with Japan and South Africa and Woodward, mindful of the disappointment over the administrative boo-boo which cost sub-hosting rights for the last event, sees no reason why the tournament could not be in New Zealand.

"Crikey yeah, of course they can," he said. "I can't see why they can't host the World Cup."

The last time Woodward was in New Zealand on coaching business was with England last year.

With their World Cup triumph from Sydney in November 2003 still fresh in the mind, England got a duffing in both tests.

Woodward was quick to use the mid-year test on a grubby Wellington night halfway through 2003 as an alternative point of reference. Jonny Wilkinson kicked England to a 15-13 win, and that became a familiar refrain a few months later.

The 25-25 draw with Argentina in Cardiff this week was disappointing, but Woodward doffed his hat to the quality of the Argentines' rugby. He reckons they are underestimated on the world stage.

Those who did not play that night will be in action in the first couple of games in New Zealand, starting at Bay of Plenty next Saturday night.

The tests are obviously the priority but Woodward values getting momentum into the tour by winning the non-test matches up to the first test in Christchurch on June 25.

His captain, Brian O'Driscoll, was delighted at being given what he called "a tremendous honour" of leading the Lions.

Glancing at his players, he said it had made him "very proud".

As for what lies ahead, "we will respect all our opponents, but we won't fear them. It's a challenge we're all looking forward to".