Auckland, July 9, 2005. Lions squad during the minutes silence before the British and Irish Lions v All Blacks third test at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. AAP Image/Geoff Dale
Another four years, another series defeat to the British and Irish Lions – their third straight. Has the concept now been proven defunct? That’s certainly what today’s Sydney Morning Herald article by Paul Ackford would have you believe.
It’s an argument that has been creeping into rugby circles more and more since the obliteration of the united side from non-continental Europe at the hands of the All Blacks four years ago.
With not only three straight series losses, but sight straight Test losses now looming though, does this mean that we should abandon the Lions?
I say no. Why?
To begin with, let me just state that the Lions tours are one of my favourite events in world rugby. It’s a long held tradition that is truly unique to the sport; offering a festival-like atmosphere which is only rivalled (in rugby terms) by the Rugby World Cup.
In fact, as an Australian, I would go so far as to say I enjoyed the 2001 Lions Tour more than I did our 1999 RWC win – the Lions tour just offered that much.
Furthermore, given the closeness of the contests in this and every other series bar the 2005 All Blacks blitz, I cannot accept that the Lions are already an anachronism that professionalism has rendered unworkable.
In fact, I contend the opposite; that the Lions should logically be MORE and not less tenable in the professional era.
I say this is given the central claim made by Ackford and others are that “to merge four nations with four separate identities, cultures and playing styles is virtually impossible.” He also cites the short amount of time they are given to play together (four weeks in this case South African) and the arduous nature of touring.
There is, of course, some truth to what he proposes. But how can you argue professionalism has exacerbated the problem of mixing players from different backgrounds?
If anything professionalism is a hugely mitigating factor here.
In any case, the reality is that in the case of the Lions you are really generally merging three sides (given the conspicuous lack of Scotsmen and how one side often dominates anyway), and even then you have more Welsh and Irish players (deservedly so) than English.
Onto professionalism, though.
While I think it might be tough mixing a side of, say, Australian and French players, the situation is far less complicated for the home nations.
The Welsh and the Irish clubs play in the Magners League together already, and while the English have the Guinness Premiership all to themselves, they too meet every year at various stages of the Heineken Cup.
Of course, playing in the same competition and playing together are two different things. But again, the advent of professionalism has increased player movements between countries to unprecedented levels. This has resulted in English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish clubs all having numerous foreign players, meaning that top club players find themselves playing along side their 6 Nations adversaries fare more often than was ever witnessed in the amateur era.
Given this, the only damaging effect of professionalism is the lengthy European seasons.
But considering the Lions tours only come about every four years, there’s ample time to prepare the clubs and players for the impact of them, particularly given how emphatically well received they are by the hordes of fans who travel across the globe to see them.
And that’s just it: it’s not just commercially viable, it’s a roaring success (lame pun intended).
Much like the NSW Blues squad, what the current string of losses proves is not that concept has run its course, but rather that the team needs to be better managed.
The Lions had four matches to prepare, while the Springboks had none.
The Lions simply need to decide what type of game they want to play early on and, like any club coach, have the coach get the players to conform to it.
Derm
Roar Guru
Chipping? Pablo. We've been doing this for 800 odd years at this point (that's the wrong side of history VC refers to) - it's almost respectful banter at this point. If there's one country I like meeting the fans afterwards, it's the English - they are so much more refined in defeat, than the Scots or Welsh. The French.....well they're just different, but their women are much better-looking admittedly. VC - I thought O'Driscoll did his talking on the pitch last Saturday, and according to some, settled matters quite definitively with a Bok or two. It is interesting, however, that O'Driscoll, Williams, Fitzgerald, Steadman, Barnes, didn't feel restrained by any stiff upper lip mentality to say what they thought. A bit of direct talking and calling a spade a spade does no harm from time to time. Call it emotional maybe. But directness is something the Saffas appreciate when it suits them. And they deem it whinging when it doesn't. And I am surprised by the slightly needy tone of PdV et al wanting to be congratulated in 50 point type headlines a) before the series is over and b) in the face of his gratuitous comments. Such a silly man - he could have dealt with it so much better.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Hey fellas, look. The NH blokes are chipping each other. Gold. I'd say the Celts have been hanging out with the Poms too much if they're getting whiney ... :)
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
Well, old bean, I do think that there are good historical reasons for claiming that the English are much more stoic than their Celtic cousins. When one believes that one's country has been on the wrong side of history, one tends to become rather whiny and chippy. It doesn't take much for the old Celtic persecution complex to rear its ugly head. English rugger chaps tend to be more from the Jonno/Croft school of settling matters on the pitch and leaving the recriminations to the womenfolk.
Derm
Roar Guru
Quite so, VC. I've a suggestion. Next time, don't select any of us stoic Celts at all - it would make the whole thing a much more English affair. You could even have cucumber and watercress sandwiches afterwards without fear of being trampled on by a Celtic stud or two. "Driven to distraction by the constant whining" - you're a hoot. Do you actually believe this stuff, or do you just figure it fits with your on-screen persona? You don't think English chaps do whining then? Is it more of a suppressed whinny, tossing of your mane and stamping your foot routine?
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
There is a danger that the Lions are becoming a little too precious and pleased with themselves. There is an element of the All Black mentality creeping in: worship us and all our foibles, or we won't come. The complaints about under-strength provincial teams, for instance, are quite risible when one considers that the Lions drew one game and won two others by a margin of less than three points. We need to ensure that the Celts - who, like moust nouveau riche, tend to be rather bumptious and full of themselves - do not exert so much influence in future. They have been noisy and uncouth on this trip. The poor hosts have been driven to distraction by the constant whining of chaps like Phillips and O'Driscoll. No Englishman would ever have acted as ungraciously as that pair did this week. So by all means let the Lions continue - but please, let's knock the Celts down a peg or two and put some stiff upper lip back into British rugger.
Dan
Guest
Brad, Of course the media plays a big role, but judging by the bumper crowds at the tests so far, it doesn't seem as though the series has suffered an awful lot. And again, there's a major sporting event on almost all the time these days, so really all you need to do is try and avoid the World Cup.
jools-usa
Guest
Having experienced the Barmy Army following the cricket in West Indies, the Lion's supporters seem (from a distance), to be more passionate & having a ball. Yes, cricket ain't rugby, but just seeing those multi-togged fans roaring & alternating their glee with despondency made me love this Lion's tour. In addition, if you read the pundits, the L's had no hope, but hats off to their effort and conduct (in the main). Think it's great for worldwide rugby, so let's forget NH verssus SH for a while. Can't wait for the Lions to tour OZ. Jools-USA
Derm
Roar Guru
TahDan - my point is not one of mixing cultures per se. Of course, the players can mix at a personal level. The trick is to get them playing together using a common playing style - and these do vary from country to country, and getting player combinations gelling together takes time. Look at the Barbarians as an example of this. For the Lions tours to be successful i.e for them to have a reasonable chance of winning a series in the future, means giving them more breathing space and development time. Stephen Jones penned an article in the last couple of days outlinging what he saw as essential preparation and structure for the next tour to Australia. It included some prep matches in Europe to trial various combos, before setting sail. Once there, the tour should be structured so that touring doesn't have a criss-cross pattern to it, and players spend as little time possible actually travelling. And he suggests that the tour be longer with more matches. Whether this is feasible given the other demands on players is debatable because it means both the providing nations and the receving nations having to put a lot more effort into the planning and prep, including altering their seasons potentially. However, if that can't happen, the likelihood of a Lions tour being a winning one become a more and more remote prospect.
Brad
Guest
The real problem as aresult of points 2,3 and 4 was media coverage and attention. The media plays a very important role in advertising of the events and generating interest and by splitting that with football and cricket kills it a bit. Sadly the Lions were not given the coverage they deserve.
TahDan
Roar Guru
Pothale, While I understand that the number of major players crossing over may not be huge, surely the "cultural differences" can't be that prohibitive... I mean, if All Blacks and Aussie players can mix into Irish clubs like Munster and Leinster, then surely the home nations can compromise their styles enough to play together. As for the cultural differences - these guys are all full time professionals and are all from countries that speak the same language... culture would surely come in second best to results for these guys. Brad, Points 2,3 and 4 are all pretty much unworkable/not all that important... Rugby fans are rugby fans, and if you start trying to avoid clashes with every other sport you'll never host any event (and seriously, as a major Rugby event, Rugby fans will definitely watch the Lions ahead of any soccer comp, Mickey Mouse T20 comp or the IPL). In any case the tour needed to be after the S14 and before the TN... it was pretty much the only time they could play it.
Brad
Guest
if the lions do tour again please take note of the following; 1. Do not pull all top local players out of the matches, this reduces the contest to a farce 2. Do not schedule the tour opener on the same day as the super rugby final 3. Do not schedule the tour at the same time as the FIFA confederations cup 4. Do not schedule the tour straight after the IPL and during the T20 world cup 5. Do not use new zealand referees 6. Do not play your best prop in the midweek game before the test 7. Never play Ronan O'Gara
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Why would you pay attention to what Ackford has to say was my first question. I am all in favour of the Lions tours. I was spewing in 2001 when I couldn't get tickets, because the ARU in their wisdom had flogged them all the the flippng tourists. it is just typical of the modern rugby (and general) media. Why underatke a proper analysis when a flippant comment will do, and sell more papers. The Lions just need better management. In any event. they only just lost in Australia, had plonker Woodward in charge when playing an awesome ABs side in 2005, and have now run into the Boks in great form and only just got pipped. If they had won the last 3 series Ackford would be questioning whether the Lions had a future in the modern game because they were TOO good.
Campbell Watts
Guest
Hell no it's not the end! The Lions is a great institution and long may it live! This series has been closly fought but lost 2 nil - not the end of the world! If they'd been thrashed in both maybe - but both games were there to be won. 2005 was a belting - that was more Woodwards selection policy and the All Blacks doing their usual "peaking between world cups" caper if you ask me - a team hard to deny at the time! Bring on the 3rd test - although both sides sound like they'll be fielding 2nd string line-up's!
sheek
Guest
When we talk of the Lions, Aussies & Saffies have an advantage. The Saffies remember the gut wrenching tension & heartbreak of 1997. The Aussies recall the high drama & great escape of 2001. By contrast, Kiwis have to go a long way back, perhaps to 1993, to enjoy similar feelings about a Lions tour. The 2005 version was abysmal beyond belief. There is a saying, "evil triumphs when good men do nothing". To paraphrase this saying in relation to 2005, "stupidity triumphs when wise men say nothing". How Woodward was allowed to destroy the legacy of the Lions with his ill-conceived 'army' of players, coaches & hangers-on in 2005 defies all common sense. Anyway, let's cut to the chase - if we want to preserve Lions tours into the future, then we have to first acknowledge they are unlike anything else in International rugby. This clearly means we have to approach Lions tours differently. Firstly, & most obviously, the guys making up the Lions team rarely play with each other. They usually play AGAINST each other. Therefore, a Lions tour must be structured to allow team building & combination settling. This obviously means expanding Lions tours from the current 10, to either 12 or 13 matches. I would give the Lions 8 lead-in matches to the first test, instead of the current 6. The 3 tests would then comprise 3 of the last 4-5 matches of the tour. The two extra lead-in matches might not seem much of an addition, but it is actually quite crucial in developing combinations & playing styles. The other thing I would do is set the touring party at 37 players. In the modern world, that appears to be the right number to counter injury, while also making everyone feel part of the team. Anyway, the crucial point to emphasize again, is this - if we want to see Lions tours continue in our lifetime, then we must be prepared to give them the necessary assistance. It won't happen like magic. This means not only the receiving countries providing extra tour matches, but the home unions giving the team every opportunity to succeed. Sensibly, that is! Tour of Australia 2013 (suggested itinerary). Arrive Perth previous Thu (8 days acclimatisation). 1. Fri - Western Australia (Perth - Subiaco Oval). 2. Tue - South Australia (Adelaide - Hindmarsh Stm). 3. Sat - New South Wales (Sydney - SFS). 4. Wed - NSW Country (Coffs Harbour International Stm). 5. Sat - ACT (Canberra Stm). 6. Wed - Emerging Wallabies (Gosford - Central Coast Stm). 7. Sat - Queensland (Brisbane - Ballymore Pk). 8. Tue - Qld Country (Townsville - Dairy Farmers Stm). 9. Sat - First Test (Brisbane - Lang Pk). 10. Tue - Victoria (Melbourne - Rectangular Stm). 11. Sat - Second Test (Melbourne - Docklands Stm). 12. Wed - Sydney Metro (Sydney - Parramatta Pk). 13. Sun - Third Test (Sydney - Stm Australia). Depart Sydney Tue. Tour duration just under 8 weeks.
IronAwe
Guest
I agree. I love the Lions, and would be terribly upset to lose such a wonderful tradition in world rugby. The Lions proved they are still very competitive, and entertaining and as long as this continues they have a place in the sport. They easily could have won both Tests if decisions had gone their way. I can't wait for 2013!! I also agree that they could tour in other parts of the world. They used to tour through other countries on the backend of their tour, such as Canada and the South Americas I believe.
Justin
Guest
"It’s a pity that Boks main intention was to maim and injury the Lions, hopefully the Lions will have enough players to win the final test." Fark one of the funniest things I have read for a while...
mtngry
Guest
Not only do I hope to see the lions here in 4 years, but I hope to see them expand their touring in to South America and the Pacific Isles. Could you imagine a Lions tour of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, finishing with a test against P.I.R.A? Think of the Cheap travel packages, the boost to rugby and great games. if the tri-nations teams (which have been together for so long and at such a high standard) are too much for a thrown together tourist side, maybe a tour against the Pumas would be a way to restore teh jerseys pride. I say if the lions don't fit in the modern era, it is a failure of profesionalism, not the concept.
Derm
Roar Guru
Thanks for the article TahDan. Some good points in it and heartening to hear yet another SH fan say that they want tours to continue. The point that Ackford and others make about trying to merge different cultures and playing styles in a short space of time is a valid one though. you make the point that the Scottish, Welsh and Irish clubs have players mixing together much more than the amateur. whilst this is true, the amount of movement is relatively small between these three countries. Tommy Bowe is probably the best example of what you refer to having moved to the Ospreys two seasons ago. He knows Byrne, Williams, etc. However, there are very few Scottish/Welsh players in any of the Irish provinces. (1/2 scottish in Ulster - Danielli?) There have been a few Irish players who have enjoyed relationships with specific English clubs - Wasps and Leicester have good traditions - Reddan, Cullen, Geordan Murphy, Johne Murphy, etc. But as you can see, none of them got picked for the Lions squad anyway. There are little or no English players of note playing in the Magners that I'm aware of.
Ian Noble
Guest
The majority of the Boks have been together since before RWC2007. The Lions had never played together until four weeks before the first test, The schedule was purposely arranged against 2nd Grade sides and the Boks made a concious decision to exclude their players from the early games against the Lions. The spirit of the Lions is to play rugby in the right way win or lose and that is why over 25000 supporters followed them to SA. I know of friends who are already thinking about the Lions tour in 2013. It's a pity that Boks main intention was to maim and injury the Lions, hopefully the Lions will have enough players to win the final test. Now that would be a fitting end to this Lions tour. The length of the NH season is not damaging they are only responding to the demand for more rugby in the NH. The international test arena is not the only player on the park as appears to be the case in OZ. Club and provincial rugby will start in August/September and I can't wait for the GP,HC and all the challenges of next season.