Pride of the Valleys

Wales first five-eighths Barry John as a Lion back in 1971.

When Sir Clive announced his Lions squad, the jokes did the rounds that Barry John was on stand-by for Jonny Wilkinson because John knew how to win in New Zealand.

Woodward has certainly plumped for experience in 2005, leading to quips about his "Grandad's Army" and, while he has a couple of pretty handy first five-eighths at his disposal, he would give much to have the talents of John to call on.

The man known simply as The King masterminded the Lions' historic 1971 series win - the first and only time the Lions have won in New Zealand.

Although Wilkinson is a proven match-winner, highlighted by his World Cup-winning drop goal in the 2003 final, he's not guaranteed to be in the No 10 jersey for the first test because of Wales' Stephen Jones.

In fact, John and his former team-mate John Dawes, who skippered the 1971 Lions side, have both called for Jones to be picked ahead of Jonny.

It was a different story in 1971, when John had to be coerced into touring New Zealand by legendary coach Carwyn James because of the battering he had received playing for Wales in the Five Nations.

John hadn't answered his invitation to tour New Zealand and took calls from James each week imploring him to join the squad.

Of course, John did board the plane with the rest of the squad for a tour that, in many ways, defined the Welsh wizard as a player. Although he scored 30 of the Lions' 48 points in the four-test series with his revolutionary football-style goalkicking to the fore, it was his confidence, composure and ability that sparked an all-star backline that included Mike Gibson, Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams and Mervyn Davies.

His sidestep was so good, opponents were left grasping at shadows. He found gaps others didn't believe existed and he had an arsenal of kicks, including a spectacular bomb.

In today's game, each player is aware of where they need to be in certain situations.

"Oh, no," John exclaimed, saying everything he did was instinctive. "We didn't have any moves. We sorted them out on the field and Carwyn, what a brilliant man he was, let us express ourselves. He was a bit of a culture shock for New Zealand."

It was a bit of a shock for the New Zealand public to find the series tantalisingly placed 1-1 after the Lions defended against the odds to claim the first test in Dunedin and the All Blacks reversed the result in Christchurch. Most observers expected normal service to prevail, but the Lions, and John in particular, actually went into the crucial third test with renewed confidence.

"Although we lost the second test we knew we could win the series because we'd played better rugby, even in defeat," John explained.

"The first 20 minutes of the third test was probably the best opening blast I've ever been involved in. We were up by 13 points after 18 minutes, ran them ragged and were on our way."

Although the Lions failed to trouble the score-keeper for the remainder of the defining match at Athletic Park, the All Blacks managed only three points themselves through a try to fullback Laurie Mains.

While the All Blacks could square the series with a win in the final test in Auckland, the Lions already had home on their minds and it was only through the help of former Herald journalist TP McLean that they were able to keep focused.

"We were due to fly home the next day but we needed to do simple things like buy presents," John said. "TP McLean and his wife organised trips for us to get some jade and various things which meant we could focus on the game.

"We didn't do ourselves justice in the last test [which was drawn 14-14] and I think the pressure and expectation got to us.

"Anyway, it was mission accomplished. We were as chuffed as hell to have won it and to this day are the only ones to do it. I hope it changes, mind."

Whether it does or not could have a lot to do with a couple of No 10s this year.

John won't be in in New Zealand for the series starting next month, only the second time he hasn't followed a Lions tour since his retirement in 1972, but he will be there in spirit. After all, he had a major hand in the way the game is played today.


- HERALD ON SUNDAY