Andy Farrell accepts that defence will be “a massive part” of the British and Irish Lions’ game as they prepare to tackle world champions New Zealand.
Lions assistant coach Farrell, who helped plot Ireland’s victory over the All Blacks in Chicago last November, is in charge of that key aspect.
And he knows how big a challenge lies ahead across the three-Test series, given New Zealand’s try-scoring prowess.
“We all know the strike-rate of the All Blacks as far as their attacking game is concerned,” Farrell said.
“Their try-scoring record is fantastic. I think last year it was double the team in second place for tries scored, which says a lot about their type of game.
“Their percentage conversion rate is fantastic, so we know defence is going to be a massive part of our game if we are going to have a chance in the series.”
Lions training numbers were boosted to 30 from 14 after last week’s training get-together in Wales, and Farrell is delighted with the quality of work done building towards next week’s tour opener against a New Zealand Provincial Barbarians XV in Whangarei.
“We expected a few less numbers than what we’ve had,” Farrell added.
“We have been able to create more advancement with our plan, going forward. To get a few more half-backs in and organisation stuff with the ball in hand has been great for us.
“The intensity was there, as you would expect, and the competition was there, as you would expect.
“This morning’s session, we tried to disorientate the players a little bit, put them in pressure situations, difficult scenarios, and they handled it very calmly under extreme pressure. The quality has been outstanding.”
Jokerman
Roar Guru
Now I understand why you never get my posts, PH!
Derm
Roar Guru
Not sure what all of that meant, Tman. "They could win a test.... " Who's they? The Lions? NZ? If they lose one....? Who's they? The Lions? NZ? Who's putting themselves in what position?
cuw
Guest
it looked as if he is not grown into the game. understandable given his very little starting chances. i just wonder if he will be great next season from the gun. Tana needs to find balance in the line in my very amateur view. all his guys wanna run away but not that concerned with defence. also a bit selfish when they get in the open - not looking to pass or recycle. Luatua tho, will be a big loss. suddenly he is playing like his first year....
taylorman
Roar Guru
I don't think it's a Mission impossible, I just don't think they'll win a test ( though a 3-0 is definitely a Mission Impossible if that's the meaning). They could win a test, rugby is like that but in the absence of the actual games being played, 10 losing tours out of 11, and 45 straight test wins at home, there is overwhelming evidence to support it. If they lose one many will come out screaming a lack of humility, blah blah when all it will reflect is those putting themselves in that position, in the hope that an upset occurs. Few genuinely believe the series can be won based on the evidence in front of them but sport being sport, of course they can, but if they do all the experts will be out. Good on them I say. We deserve it if we've overestimated the ABs by that much. Certainly if the Lions win the first it'll all be on, and that's gotta be a good thing.
Old Bugger
Guest
Poth The question of anticipation, applies to both sides of supporters. But, I agree with your comment. Everyone considers this tour as an impossible mission and to that end, that impossibility starts from the first kick-off, next weekend. That start may not present too many concerns for the BIL's but, what follows for the next couple of weeks, may well decide whether this tour becomes successful or not. If it's the former, than the anticipation levels will reach its zenith however, if it's the latter then the anticipation levels, will reach its nadir. My personal anticipation marks this tour as my fifth BIL tour to NZ, where I've been fortunate enough to watch games from the sideline rather than, my armchair. And for that sole reason, I can't wait for kick-off so may the better team, prevail.
Derm
Roar Guru
There's a Mission Impossible statement to this tour coming from every quarter. Haven't heard or read anywhere even one person who thinks the Lions can achieve a win. It's quite remarkable. And yet, people say they are pumped in anticipation.
Old Bugger
Guest
Fair comment Bob. A key defensive weapon is to make every effort to deprive your opposition of possession or, make that possession, slow and difficult to use. Do the BILs, have a team that can do this and maintain it, for 80mins??
Bob
Guest
Set piece will be the key for Lions
Derm
Roar Guru
Still can't get over it, Jacko? :)
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes! Just saw that. Im still yet to be totally convinced about his ability to run a match but its the best profile weve seenin the pos for some years. Tanas slowly but surely carving out a good platform and if we get a player that can consistently get our backs away then look out!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Nice wheels though!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Not Beaver? He would have figured it out too, just might have taken a bit longer, but far more dramatically for sure.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Gosh, what will the ABs do now that they know extreme pressure won't work?
Kaizer
Roar Rookie
AB counter-attack game is nigh on impossible to defend and if it gets desperate for the Lions to try and score points, mistakes will come and the AB's as we all know will do what they do best. How do you beat them? You... Just kidding, I don't know, I'm only a rookie (look at my profile). You could remind SBW he's wearing a jersey sponsored by AIG and whilst he dashes off the field to tape over it, you score through the 12 channel left vacant. Simples.
Chaz
Guest
".......building towards next week’s tour opener against a New Zealand Provincial Barbarians XV in Whangarei." NEXT WEEK!! Never mind the banality of this article, it starts NEXT WEEK! They could start writing about each player's shoe size and it would still bring out the goose bumps.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Andy Farrell also believes his mother played a big part in his life, though conceded his father played a minor but crucial role as well. Meanwhile, reports are coming in from many rugby supporters around New Zealand that there's some interest in the upcoming Lions tour. Our reporters who are already stationed there have yet to confirm those reports but are certainly not discounting them either.
Old Bugger
Guest
Bleeding obvious init...?? You are facing the most attacking team in history, so the only option available is, defence. I think that even Donald (as in, the Duck), would have figured that out.
adastra32
Guest
And in other news, a bear takes a welcomed comfort break in the woods....
Jacko
Guest
So if Farrel helped plot the Ireland win over the ABs did he also help plot the loss in Dublin 2 weeks later?
John
Guest
Defence against broken play will be a good start!