Fail to prepare, prepare to fail

British and Irish Lions can leave legacy by beating New Zealand, says Warren Gatland - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40516414
Rugby Union
menu

By Chris Jones

The British and Irish Lions have a chance to "leave a legacy" by winning Saturday's decisive third Test against the All Blacks, says head coach Warren Gatland.

Victory for the Lions at Eden Park would seal a first series win over New Zealand in 46 years.

And Gatland says his side are just "scratching the surface" in terms of its potential.

"We have got another level in us, and it's incredibly exciting," he said.

"We think this team has got better and better and will get better on Saturday.

"I think you should all be excited about what should be one hell of a Test match."
Jordie handed first NZ start to complete Barrett brothers trio
Deciding Test might be tougher than World Cup final, says NZ's 'Professor'
While Gatland says the players cannot become "emotionally too involved", he says they will be aware of what is stake as the Lions look to match the achievements of the greats of 1971.

"They have an opportunity to leave bit of a legacy don't they? 11 tours of New Zealand and the Lions have only won here once," Gatland added.

"It's a chance to do something special. You have those moments in your life and you don't want those moments to pass you by.

"It's a pressure that you relish. It's why you do all those hours of preparation, because you want those big moments in sport.

"I have no doubt that tomorrow and Saturday the players will start thinking about that."

'We haven't spoken about them'

Gatland has named the same 23 for Saturday's Test, and says he was not tempted to make any changes from the squad that won in Wellington, once all the players were declared available for selection.

But while the All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith says his side "do a lot of work" on the opposition before a game, the Lions have taken a different approach this week.

"We haven't even spoken about them," Gatland said.

"It feels a little bit ironic, a bit strange, almost like a role reversal.

"When you play against the All Blacks, you try to stop all their threats and you pick a team to do that, but we have just concentrated on ourselves and our game, and going out and doing what we've been doing and what's been successful for us.

"There hasn't been too much chat about individuals in their team. We didn't speak today about the All Blacks team that was selected."

I don't get this, I really don't. Surely has to be a throw away remark with no bearing on the truth? The lions should absolutely know the opposition inside and out. Without that how can you possibly enact your own plans to the maximum? What if your set plan doesn't work?

I'm at a loss.

TightHEAD wrote:'I'm at a loss.'

Not for the first time, Believe.

In what, spending the entire tour denigrating everything Lions as you have to now claim you believe, to now have your balls firmly held in Gats grasp wondering whether its going to be a tickle or a squeeze.

You are the worst type of fan.

I suspect he will revert to type later