Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

[an error occurred while processing this directive]
| Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Wednesday, 29 June, 2005, 15:05 GMT 16:05 UK
Rowntree reveals line-out changes
Lions prop Graham Rowntree
Prop Graham Rowntree has admitted the Lions made late changes to their line-out just days before it fell apart in the first Test against New Zealand.

The move was made as Lions coaches feared that New Zealand had worked out their line-out codes.

But the changes did not help the Lions as they went on to lose eight of their own throws in the 21-3 defeat.

"We thought the All Blacks had cracked our line-out code, so we changed a few things," said Rowntree.

"In hindsight, that was suicide."

Lions head coach Sir Clive Woodward blamed the failure of the set-piece for the loss in Christchurch and said afterwards: "We lost because we did not get enough ball from the line-out."

Lock Paul O'Connell, who was given a torrid time by opposite number Chris Jack, admitted that he was not happy with the new calls.

"We had a combination of problems, poor execution in lifting, a few missed calls," he said in his column for The Independent newspaper.

"The All Blacks had so much time together. They had our number. I was disappointed with the new line-out calls."

Woodward has tried to solve the line-out problems by naming a revamped pack for the second Test in Wellington on Saturday.

Hooker Shane Byrne drops to the bench to make way for Steve Thompson, lock Donncha O'Callaghan comes in for Ben Kay and open-side flanker Lewis Moody will provide another jumping option.

Simon Easterby is named at blind-side flanker while Ryan Jones replaces Martin Corry at number eight.




LIONS TOUR 2005

ALL BLACKS WHITEWASH LIONS




VOTE RESULTS
What was the main reason for the Lions' whitewash in NZ?
All Blacks just too good
News image58%
Woodward's selections
News image30%
Injuries to key players
News image6%
Squad was too big
News image6%
97190 Votes Cast
Results are indicative and may not reflect public opinion

Vote now closed



SEE ALSO
Umaga breaks silence over tackle
29 Jun 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