Warren Gatland brings the X-factor to the Lions, says John Kirwan
Friday 9 June 2017 11:07, UK
All Blacks great John Kirwan has dismissed claims that British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland is one-dimensional, saying his former team-mate brings an "X-factor" to the touring squad.
Gatland's critics say his teams play "Warrenball", using big centres who burst into opposition territory and draw in defenders to create space for the backs.
But Kirwan, who played in the All Blacks with Gatland in the late 1980s and early 1990s, said such comments underestimated the Lions mentor's ability.
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He said Gatland's record spoke for itself -- he led the Lions to victory over Australia in 2013, has won three Six Nations titles with Wales and enjoyed success at club level in Britain and New Zealand.
"You don't take the Lions to Australia and win, you don't win what Warren's won being one-dimensional," said Kirwan.
"He'll be smiling behind closed doors going 'If you want to take me as one-dimensional, good luck'. Those of us that follow him certainly don't see him that way."
Kirwan, who scored 35 tries in 63 Test matches for the All Blacks, said having a Kiwi coach familiar with New Zealand rugby was a huge plus for the Lions.
"We've got an X-factor in the Lions with Warren Gatland... we've got a lot of respect for him," he said.
"We think he'll galvanise the side... up until the first Test I don't think he'll show all his cards. I think we'll see a big scrummaging, mauling, kicking game from the Lions.
"It's also important that they be physical, to make sure they can compete against New Zealand sides."
All Blacks concerns
Kirwan said New Zealand's injury toll and their tendency to start Test series slowly were concerns.
"We've got guys who are coming back very close to the cut-off for the Test matches... if we're off our game by five percent that's going to be a huge challenge," he said.
"It's game on. Traditionally we're a little rusty in the first Test, so we've got to sort that out quickly. The Lions will have been together a lot longer."
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