Lions tamed by poor decision making

By Chris O'Keefe

True, the scorelines from all three tests in New Zealand suggest that the Lions were a poor match for the All Blacks. Indeed the hosts played some irresistible rugby during the series. However a few key decisions may have been all that decided the Lions fate before they took to the pitch.

Sir Clive Woodward said this would be the best prepared touring party ever to travel to New Zealand. The aftermath suggests they were anything but.

The realiance on the England old guard for the first test raised more than a few eyebrows. The insistence on playing Jonny Wilkinson at inside centre was a disaster, especially when you consider that Woodward had Gavin Henson available to play there. Henson was on a high after Wales's Grand Slam triumph and was the form player of that tournament.

The selection of Jason Robinson and Neil Back were also ones that never seem to be justified considering that form players on tour were stating better cases.

It was only the first test defeat that really brought out the true Lions. The introduction of Shane Williams, Henson, Ryan Jones and Donnacha O'Callaghan were finally the right decisions as form players are the only way to try and take the All Blacks. A team designed to conquer the rugby giant must ask questions in every area of the park.

This selection finally did that!

However previous Lions have taught us that the right team also needs the right amount of time to gel. The second test proved to be the first time this group had to play together as one, against New Zealand it's the equivalent to rugby suicide.

They battled valiantly and that proved to be the most frustrating part of the piece. Any Lions fan could clearly see the potential on the field the area in which the Lions were caught involved no cohesion in defence and lacking knowledge of each others game.

People in the media are forever making the point about the fine lines between victory and defeat and although I can't argue with the class and authority shown by the best rugby team in the world right now, my point is this.

Some 'small' decisions can have massive repercussions.

My Uncle now questions the wisdom of having a Lions tour but I can put that arguement to bed immediately. Just look at the amount of Lions support out in New Zealand. It means so much to so many. People were remortaging their homes to get out there. While the passion is there the Lions tour will survive and it shows no sign of wilting soon.

Just tell the players of the next tour that they owe their fans so much, certainly more than they gave this time around.