Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
| Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Friday, 10 June, 2005, 14:20 GMT 15:20 UK
Henry surprised by Lions call-up
New Zealand coach Graham Henry
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has expressed surprise that the Lions have added Ryan Jones to their tour squad.

Jones became the 46th member of the party when he was called up as cover for the injured Simon Taylor.

Speaking after seeing his side thump Fiji 91-0, Henry criticised Sir Clive Woodward's decision.

"How many is that now?" said Henry. "If we name more than 22 players I get criticised by old All Blacks for cheapening the shirt."

The All Blacks warmed up for the first Test against the Lions on 25 June with a stunning 15-try romp over Fiji.

There were many notable performances in Auckland but one that stood out was the display of wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, who marked his debut with four tries.

"I think he could be a very special player," added Henry.

We have to keep our feet on the ground... we know we're in for a huge contest against the Lions
New Zealand coach Graham Henry

"He has ability with the ball in his hands and he has a good feel for the game.

"He has understanding and good touches. He's very physical and a good defender."

Henry gave a run out to six new caps against a Fiji side that offered little resistance in a subdued performance.

"You can't expect the same team to go out there every week," said Henry. "We have to have a strategy to keep the guys fresh.

"I know people don't like this because it's not putting the top 22 out there week after week but we don't think like that.

"I thought the guys played well. They played with intensity, skill and physical presence. They expressed themselves and we can't complain.

"But we have to keep our feet on the ground. We know we're in for a huge contest against the Lions."

Fiji coach Wayne Pivac said the All Blacks had played at a level way above the New Zealand Maori side who beat his team 29-27 in Suva last week.

"From where I sat the All Blacks had an extended training run," said Pivac. "I said to the guys, welcome to the top level of the game.

"It's a cruel way to learn but we have to make sure that some of the lessons we have taken improve our performance in World Cup qualifiers."




SEE ALSO
Pick your Lions XV
24 May 05 |  Lions in NZ
Lions tour venue guides
18 May 05 |  Lions in NZ
Early history of the Lions
18 May 05 |  Lions in NZ
Fixture list for Lions tour to NZ
08 Apr 05 |  Lions in NZ
Lions player profiles
25 May 05 |  Lions in NZ
All Blacks player profiles
25 May 05 |  Lions in NZ


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites

ALSO IN THIS SECTION

E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs

MMIX

Back to top

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability Sport | Olympics 2012 | Sport Relief | Other Sport...

BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us
bannerwatch listenbbc sport