Tommy Bowe on NZ, Courtney Lawes on SA, Ross Ford on Samoa and Leigh Halfpenny on the Wallabies...!

By Gavin Mairs, Rugby News CorrespondentLast Updated: 1:43PM BST 05/06/2012
Gavin Mairs quizzes four top players on how they expect their respective Home nations to fare on southern hemisphere tours this summer.

TOMMY BOWE (Ireland)

What would represent a successful tour this summer?

Declan Kidney sets his standards very high so he will want to go out there with a tour victory, either 2-1 or 3-0, especially with the way Irish rugby is going at the minute for the provinces.

Why is it so difficult to win a Test series in the southern hemisphere?

Their players are all coming off their Super 15 season, feeling very fresh just before the Tri-Nations. They are heading into peak condition while we are travelling at the end of our hard season. Having said that, we came very close to beating New Zealand in Wellington two years ago.

How difficult is it to raise yourself at the end of a long, hard season?

It is the ambition of everyone who plays rugby to represent their country. It is the highest honour you can get and even if some of the boys are feeling tired, they will be hungry for success.

The home unions will at least travel to the southern hemisphere in a battle-hardened state, so is winning the first Test the key to success on tour?

The first game is the one that the Irish management will really be targeting. A few of our boys will have played together in the Barbarians match, while the Ulster and Leinster boys have played at a high level right to the end of the season. It will be a great opportunity for us to really have a crack at them.

Who should we keep our eye on to emerge as a potential breakthrough player this summer?

I think players such as Simon Zebo, who had a great season with Munster, should do well, although with me injured, I don’t want it to go too well for him! I am also hoping to see Sean O’Brien carry on his outstanding recent form for Leinster in the Ireland shirt.

And the opponent who you expect will cause most problems?*

Cory Jane is a player who I have a lot of time for. He is one of these guys who may not be the fastest of wingers or the biggest, but he picks brilliant lines and is a very dangerous player.

With the Lions tour to Australia next year is looming in the horizon, how important is it for the home unions to lay down some sort of marker this summer?

It is going to be very important. It is going to be in the back of a lot of players’ minds. There is a long way to go but it is a huge carrot for us all at the end of next season. Playing for the Lions in 2009 was an experience I will never forget.

COURTNEY LAWES (England)

What would represent a successful tour this summer?

I would say two out of three would be a good result and I think they have got a chance of achieving that.

Why is it so difficult to win a Test series in the southern hemisphere?

Every team is stronger at home than they are away and South Africa are such a strong side. They will be really up for it. I have never toured South Africa and would love to be there.

How difficult is it to raise yourself at the end of a long, hard season?

Apart from the Harlequins and Leicester boys, most of the squad will have had a short break to recharge their batteries and will now be back ready to have one last blast this summer. They are going to have to dig deep but I know they will be up for it, big time.

The home unions will at least travel to the southern hemisphere in a battle-hardened state, so is winning the first Test the key to success on tour?

The Premiership is a tough competition and the boys will be heading down there in form and ready to dish it out.

Who should we keep our eye on to emerge as a potential breakthrough player this summer?

We are taking a big squad so there are a number of players who could break through. I am also looking forward to seeing how Manu Tuilagi performs down there. He’s really on form at the moment.

And the opponent who you expect will cause most problems?*

South Africa are such a strong team but I think the key to their strength is their 9 and 10 partnership and that is where England will look to put them under pressure.

With the Lions tour to Australia next year is looming in the horizon, how important is it for the home unions to lay down some sort of marker this summer?

If home unions can do well, it will get the ball rolling. The autumn Tests and Six Nations will be time to get your name on the Lions list. My first goal is to play well for the Saints and stay fit for the season. If I can get some more England caps and play well, then I would love to go with the Lions to Australia.

ROSS FORD (Scotland)

What would represent a successful tour this summer?

The Six Nations was disappointing for us in terms of results, but the way that we played was very good. I think we can beat Australia if we perform to our best. We just need to cut out the lapses in our game that occurred during the Six Nations.

Why is it so difficult to win a Test series in the southern hemisphere?

It is always difficult down there, but we will travel with confidence.

How difficult is it to raise yourself at the end of a long, hard season?

Some players look at it differently, but I think it is a great way to extend your season. I find it quite refreshing to meet up with the boys again and the chance to tour is something special. It’s exciting to work on areas we need to from the Six Nations.

The home unions will at least travel to the southern hemisphere in a battle-hardened state, so is winning the first Test the key to success on tour?

We beat Australia at Murrayfield in 2010 and they won’t have been together for long when we face them. Both sides will have done their analysis, but we have to be confident in our own ability that we can beat them.

Who should we keep our eye on to emerge as a potential breakthrough player this summer?

We have a lot of young boys coming through and I have been really impressed by young Matt Scott at Edinburgh. There has also been a lot of talk about Tim Visser, who great strength and quick feet.

And the opponent who you expect will cause most problems?*

Australia are more dangerous as units rather than individually and are a very good attacking team, so we need to get our act together defensively.

With the Lions tour to Australia next year is looming in the horizon, how important is it for the home unions to lay down some sort of marker this summer?

All the teams will want to win in the southern hemisphere and it will give us a confidence boost. But if it doesn’t happen, there is a lot of rugby to be played between now and the Lions next year.

LEIGH HALFPENNY (Wales)

What would represent a successful tour this summer?

A series win, nothing else will be OK for us. That’s what we are working hard towards and, if we don’t, the tour will have been a failure.

Why is it so difficult to win a Test series in the southern hemisphere?

The Super 15 has proven a great breeding ground. They play against the top teams regularly each year and have highly-talented individuals who can create something out of nothing.

How difficult is it to raise yourself at the end of a long, hard season?

I don’t find it difficult at all. I can’t wait to get to Australia. We have won the Grand Slam but, as a team, we want to achieve more. We want to be the best team in the world and have a chance to prove ourselves Down Under.

The home unions will at least travel to the southern hemisphere in a battle-hardened state, so is winning the first Test the key to success on tour?

The first Test is key. If we want to win the series we have to win that first game. We are also desperate to win it for our coach Warren Gatland (pictured) if he can’t be there for the opening game because of his injuries.

Who should we keep our eye on to emerge as a potential breakthrough player this summer?

With Jamie Roberts being out, there is a big opportunity for someone in the centre and there is great competition between Scott Williams and Ashley Beck. They have both been playing well for their regions and both of them may get the chance in the 12 jersey.

And the opponent who you expect will cause most problems?*

Australia have some fantastic individuals. David Pocock at the breakdown is huge for them by winning turnovers and giving the backs quick ball. Quade Cooper is also a very dangerous and exciting player if they pick him.

With the Lions tour to Australia next year is looming in the horizon, how important is it for the home unions to lay down some sort of marker this summer?

I hope it can be us! We want to send out a huge message that the British Isles will mean business next year when we tour Australia - and we can win the Test series.