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Warren Gatland confident about Lions tour despite underwhelming autumn results

Image: Warren Gatland: Confident of a Lions success Down Under in 2013

Warren Gatland insists there are reasons for optimism about next year's Lions tour despite a disappointing autumn series.

Impressed

Gatland was particularly impressed by the manner of Ireland's 46-24 mauling of Argentina, despite missing a host of key players. "Ireland have looked pretty strong," said Gatland, who coached Ireland between 1998 and 2001. "I thought they were really good in the first half against South Africa. They were disappointing in the second half but then they've kicked on and improved. "The pleasing thing about Ireland last week was that they went out and played rugby. They got the ball into Craig Gilroy's hands, which was great, and then you saw the experience of someone like Tommy Bowe as well - he was outstanding. "It was the first time really that they'd coped without some of the guys who've been around there for a long time, the O'Driscolls and the O'Connells. "They've been the icons of the team and they've seemed to struggle when their presence hasn't been there. But they looked comfortable without that experience, which was pleasing."

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