Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has promised a “different show” from his charges on Saturday night as the tourists bid to give the All Blacks the boot in Wellington and level the Test series.
Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward has promised a “different show” from his charges on Saturday night as the tourists bid to give the All Blacks the boot in Wellington and level the Test series.
The 2003 World Cup-winning coach has made seven changes in personnel and four positional switches for this weekend’s second Test against Graham Henry’s New Zealand.
And Woodward, who will assume the role of Director of football at Southampton Football Club on August 1, is confident that his much changed line-up can pick up the pieces of last Saturday’s 21-3 collapse in Christchurch.
“I have been involved in rugby for a long time, especially as a coach, and from my point of view, last Saturday’s Test match I would put top of the list in terms of the most disappointing nights I have been involved in,” said Woodward at Wednesday’s press conference.
“Going into the game, I passionately believed I had picked the right team, but then to see it all unfold was very disappointing for everyone involved.
“I just had to take all the arrows, stones and feedback this week – that’s all part of it – and just look forward to Saturday night.
“Clearly, things were not right, and from the Lions’ point of view, it is not a development tour.
“I have made changes, which I think was important to give those players who deserved a chance to try to get the Test series back on the road,” added the 49-year-old.
“It was time to shake things up. There is not a single person who didn’t try their best, but last weekend was a disappointment that I have got to take responsibility for.
“I promise you there will be a completely different show, come Saturday night.”
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