Clive Woodward's Guide to a Successful Lions Tour

Although we lost the series 3-0 in 2005, there is very little I would have done differently. I would, however, change the amount of information I gave the players as soon as we met for the tour.

It was too much detail for players who were not used to thinking in those terms.

The All Blacks team that beat us in 2005 would beat the current New Zealand World Cup-winning team by 30 points, they were that good. I chose to approach the tour with a Test team and a mid-week team in terms of both coaches and players.

Had we got things right on the pitch, I believe that separation would have been made the blueprint for future Lions tours. It goes against a lot of what people believe the Lions is about but from a performance perspective I still favour it because you cannot train properly in one huge group preparing for Wednesday and Saturday games, and I felt being totally open with the players on this point was the best approach.

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:I think we'll hear Gatland making a few excuses when the Lions are humbled. I don't see them winning a test unfortunately. The players aren't good enough and Gatland will choose the wrong tactics.

Depressing.

I like Sir Clive though.

thebluesmancometh wrote:

Cyril on 606v2 wrote:I think we'll hear Gatland making a few excuses when the Lions are humbled. I don't see them winning a test unfortunately. The players aren't good enough and Gatland will choose the wrong tactics.

Depressing.

I like Sir Clive though.

Cyzil I wish you were travelling with me!!

George Carlin wrote:SCW Step 1:

Choose your favourite players. It doesn't matter how they're playing at the time of the tour. They've won something in the past. So they are winners. What is 'form' anyway?

WG: Tick.