EY, a global consulting firm, has become a Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions for the 2017 Tour of New Zealand.
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“We’ve got some talented players with some experience as well”, said Gatland, who has been part of the past two Lions tours.
The win should be among the 52-year-old’s career highlights, but the “vitriol” he endured looms large in his reflections.
The Lions have prevailed just once in 11 previous visits to New Zealand – John Dawes’ 1971 tourists triumphed 2-1 – and were demolished in their last meeting with the All Blacks in 2005.
“If you look at the All Blacks, when the games are tight they still play the numbers and are a little bit conservative and that’s potentially when they’re at their most vulnerable”.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we’ve got the ability to go to New Zealand and win”. I’m the eternal optimist. In 2009 we came into the first Test under-cooked because the South Africans pulled their [top] players out.
“Everyone has spoken about how tough it is going to be going to New Zealand”, said Gatland.
The Lions have picked the right man, but possibly for the wrong reasons says Stuart Barnes in The Times.
“It is obviously a massive challenge but it could be something very, very special”.
Gatland, whose Wales side were beaten 3-0 by the All Blacks in a series in June, told British media after his appointment that he felt being able to pick from the four Home Nations would give him the pace and flair needed to beat the world champions.
Gatland is flying to New Zealand immediately on a scouting mission, leaving Rob Howley to assume control of the Wales national side.
“The team will be selected on merit”, he said.
It was no casual aside, then, when the former Waikato captain and coach wondered aloud about the flip side of All Blacks squad members facing the Lions in the early provincial games, suggesting it would actually do the Lions a sizeable favour.
The coming of age of England and Hartley could feature large in Gatland’s planning for the summer.
Gatland confirmed an intention to name his coaching support staff and management team for the tour on December 7.
“The pleasing thing is his discipline”. It’s the same when you are picking captains.
“People know me as pretty honest and straight up”, he said. “You want to protect that Test 23”. Although the team selection is no way cemented, it does show the Irish players have work to do, to get into Gatland’s squad and test team.
And Gatland has indicated that if England continue to dominate the Six Nations, the candidacy of the Northampton hooker will be all the stronger. In the meantime, he is simply glad to back in a job that he believes has a unique appeal.
“There are players you’re familiar with, that you have been leading already, that has certain advantage”.
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“Given the strength in depth of English rugby, they should always be in the top two of three in the world”.
