Summary
All blacks coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen have both made no secret of their delight at Wales' Grand Slam triumph this year. But the last thing they will want to see is a host of Mike Ruddock's Six Nations heroes in the Lions side for this summer's Test series.
That's the view of Welsh team manager Alan Phillips, who is well qualified to give an insight into the thinking of the Kiwi pair.See the full content of this document
Extract
Lions 2005: British Lions Tour of New Zealand
He worked with both men during their time at the helm of Wales and has a good idea how they will approach the showdown with Sir Clive Woodward's Lions.
Phillips believes Henry and Hansen will be far happier to see Woodward pack his Test team with England veterans rather than young Welsh bucks.Looking ahead to events in New Zealand, Phillips said, 'A lot will depend on the team Sir Clive picks.'If he does go for an old back row, that will be just what Graham and Steve want because they will be looking for their guys to move that ball round.'New Zealand won't play a slow, chugging game. They haven't got the forwards to do that. They will be looking for a lot of continuity and speed.'That's why I actually think some of our Welsh players can play a very important part in the success or the failure of this Lions tour.'I just think the surpri...See the full content of this document
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