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'They've failed miserably' - Lions tactics have flopped claims ex-tour manager
By Ian Cameron
Warren Gatland's British & Irish Lions tactics have failed in South Africa, despite management knowing what they would face by way of the Springbok gameplan, argues former tour manager Donal Lenihan.
Lenihan says that the Lions' inability to deal with the Springboks' blitz defence and their kicking game reflects badly on the strategic thinking of management, not least because of the lack of secrecy around the South African's own tactics.
'There's three ways [you try to beat a blitz defence]; you try get outside it, you try to go through it or you try to go over it," Lenihan said, speaking on RTE's Rugby Podcast.
"There is space behind that blitz defence that the Lions haven't been able to exploit at all. We've seen the disallowed try by Robbie Henshaw had last week. That's a perfect example of the space that is behind. Those grubber kicks, there's an opportunity there to break that defensive system.
"In some ways, you look back at the provincial games, they were scoring tries for fun. It was almost too easy. They were breaking down defences after two or three phases.
"That bore no resemblance to way South Africa play. They found themselves in the middle of an arm wrestle, that they haven't been able to win. And they haven't produced an alternative, which I think will be an indictment of this coaching staff when this whole series is over.
"Without any in-depth analysis, you knew exactly what the Springboks were going to present to you before came out here and nothing has changed. They have failed miserably in trying to deal with that.
"To date in the two Tests, the Lions have scored one try. Cowan-Dickie off a 10-metre lineout maul. That's been it."
The former second row, who toured twice with the Lions, sees the Lions' midfield as possibly the Lions greatest concern as a unit.
"There's been consistency with nine selections during the Test series. In other words, nine players will be starting their third Test.
"Five of those nine have been in the back five [of the pack]. The second row and back row have been constant throughout the series.
"But we now have our third different centre combination. Which shows you they don't know what their best combination is.
"They've reverted to the two of the back three that everyone felt should have started in the first Test anyway. But they don't seem to have the capacity to challenge that blitz defence."
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I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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