Lions flanker Martyn Williams says he needs more support at turnovers in the wake of the 19-13 loss to NZ Maori. The Welshman was criticised by pundits for being out-muscled by Marty Holah and is thought to have slipped back in the race for a Test start at open-side.
But the 29-year-old feels the Lions' pod-system tactics could be to blame for the problems securing possession.
"The Maori contested the breakdown from one to 15, it wasn't just one man," Williams told BBC Sport Wales.
"I don't think it was about being out-muscled but maybe being out-thought, not getting enough numbers to the breakdown, and not being effective when we were there.
"The number seven has a pivotal role to play, but you have to look throughout the team.
"The Lions are drawn from four different teams, all with different systems and styles of play.
"Some of the referee's interpretations at the breakdown were also different to what we are used to, although that is not an excuse for our defeat.
 |  You have to take the lessons into the Test series |
"There's no way we're going to come here and hit the ground running, it will take some time to learn the lessons from a game like this."
Despite his concerns about the Lions' 'pod system', Williams is confident that the tourists have the spirit to overcome their first defeat.
"Nearly every Lions side has lost early on the tour," said the Cardiff Blues star, who also toured Australia with the Lions in 2001.
"It makes or breaks you, you have to take the lessons into the Test series.
"We defended for 80 minutes and only conceded one try - that shows our character, if we didn't have spirit in the side we'd have lost by 40 or 50 points.
"We'll analyse the Maori game, but it's gone now and it's a case of getting back onto the training ground and working harder.
"We have to gel on the field and use the ball more sensibly when we have it."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
