Monday, July 11, 2005
“We were the better side,” says Woodward
In a candid interview following his return from New Zealand, British and Irish Lions coach, Sir Clive Woodward, has defended his decisions and claimed his team was not undone by better opponents.

Despite the Lions losing all three Tests to the All Blacks and a fourth to New Zealand Maori, Woodward still believed his team performed better then their opponents and were unfortunate not to have won.

“I believe we were unjustly beaten,” said Woodward, “in all three Tests.”

“Had Brian [O’Driscoll] not been cynically taken out, Wilkinson been on form and we had defended better and scored some tries I think we would have won the series 3-0. But now we will never know.”

“I think Graham Henry [the All Blacks coach] realises this too,” he added.

“I thought we more than matched them in the physical contest. The tactic of being forced backwards in the tackle behind the gain line was a definitive ploy to draw in loose forwards to open space out wide.”

“Given more preparation, this strategy no doubt would have paid off,” said Woodward.

“I was also disappointed with the southern hemisphere refereeing. I don’t know why, but they just don’t seem to play my rules. In Europe a player can legitimately slow the ball down, without fear of being penalised.”

Many pundits questioned Woodward’s tour management, citing a number of decisions which contributed to the ‘black-wash’.

Woodward on the staff

Woodward was also roundly criticised for taking on tour the largest contingent of non-playing staff ever. This included chefs and fitness instructors and former Blair media adviser, Alistair Campbell.

“In the modern game, the sheer physical intensity of the matches and the intense scrutiny of the media mean that players’ interests must be well catered for,” said Woodward.

“Having the appropriate staff on hand means that the players are well-prepared and the media is well briefed.”

“It was imperative to have personal fitness trainers, medical staff and someone to leave those little chocolates with ribbon round them on the players’ pillows each night at turn-down. It is those small personal touches which makes the players’ experience just that bit more memorable,” said Woodward.

...on Campbell

Many were suspicious of the role Alistair Campbell would play, but Woodward remains unrepentant. “It is a shame that the media didn’t trust Alistair enough to utilise his inside knowledge.”

“Alistair prepared numerous press releases, but sadly the media were rarely interested – they seemed more intent on making their own judgements. This was a shame, as if they had printed what we told them, it would have been a much more successful tour, results-wise,” said Woodward.

Woodward was criticised for setting up a photo opportunity with Welsh inside centre, Gavin Henson, without his knowledge, on the day the player was told he had not made the team sheet for the second test. This, despite a widespread belief that he should have.

“It was Alistair’s suggestion that we push that photo out into the media to maintain a consistent public image of harmony and solidarity. The moment the media suspects discontent, the more critical they get of divisions.”

“Gavin was immediately paged and asked to stay ‘on-message’.”

“I still believe that Alistair kept the true spirit of the Lions’ tour alive,” said Woodward.

…on the squad

“No, I don’t think I took too many players. If I was to do it all over again, I would probably take an even bigger squad; perhaps even the entire team from each home nation, especially England,” said Woodward.

“And except maybe Scotland,” he added.

…and on Wilkinson

“In Jonny I have created a very special talent. I am proud to have trained him up into the best flyhalf in rugby history, ever, in the world. It was a shame that he was short of form, did not play well and eventually got injured,” said Woodward.

“I believe I was still right to pick him, as that was part of the contractual agreement with the tour sponsors,” he said.

Sir Clive Woodward now leaves Rugby Union to take up a senior coaching role at English soccer club, Southampton, recently relegated from the Premiership.

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