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A Scot and three Welshmen: A look at Warren Gatland's 2021 Lions coaching staff
British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has unveiled the coaches who will work alongside him on the 2021 tour to South Africa in July. Here, the PA news agency looks at the appointments and their records:
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WARREN GATLAND
Nationality: New Zealander
Age: 57
Current job: Chiefs head coach
Lions role: Head coach
Lions history: Head coach for the 2013, 2017 and 2021 tours. Assistant coach in 2009
Test caps: None
Club playing career: Waikato
Form guide: Among the finest coaches in rugby history. Had domestic and European success with Wasps after being with Ireland and he took charge of Wales in 2008, winning a Six Nations Grand Slam in his first season. Further titles and Grand Slams followed, plus two World Cup semi-final appearances. Was at the helm for a Lions series win against Australia eight years ago and the drawn series with then world champions New Zealand in 2017.
GREGOR TOWNSEND
Nationality: Scottish
Age: 47
Current job: Scotland head coach
Lions role: Assistant coach (attack)
Lions history: Two Tests as a player, 1997 tour of South Africa
Test caps: 82 for Scotland (1993-2003)
Club playing career: Northampton, Brive, Castres, Border Reivers, Montpellier
Form guide: Impressive. Masterminded Scotland away victories over England, a first since 1983, and France, ending a 22-year wait, during this season’s Guinness Six Nations. Undoubtedly a Lions scholar of the great Ian McGeechan, there is nothing not to like about Townsend’s appointment.
Just the one survivor from the 2017 Lions tour https://t.co/OnYoVTh1wM
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 13, 2021
ROBIN McBRYDE
Nationality: Welsh
Age: 50
Current job: Leinster forwards coach
Lions role: Assistant coach (forwards)
Lions history: Four appearances as a player, 2001 tour of Australia
Test caps: 37 for Wales (1994-2005)
Club playing career: Swansea, Llanelli, Scarlets
Form guide: Excellent. Was part of Gatland’s coaching furniture when the New Zealander led Wales through an era of Six Nations title triumphs, Grand Slams and World Cup semi-final appearances. McBryde goes about his business without fuss or bother and he is now an integral part of Leinster’s push for a record fifth European title this season.
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STEVE TANDY
Nationality: Welsh
Age: 41
Current job: Scotland defence coach
Lions role: Assistant coach (defence)
Lions history: None
Test caps: None
Club playing career: Neath, Ospreys
Form guide: Strong. Welshman Tandy might be the biggest Lions selection bolter of all this time around, but Gatland will know his coaching quality well from a six-year stint as Ospreys boss. Developed further during a coaching stint with Super Rugby side the Waratahs in Australia, and Scotland are reaping the benefits.
NEIL JENKINS
Nationality: Welsh
Age: 49
Current job: Wales assistant coach
Lions role: Assistant coach (kicking)
Lions history: Four Tests as a player, 1997 tour of South Africa, 2001 tour of Australia. Assistant coach on 2009, 2013 and 2017 tours
Test caps: 87 for Wales (1991-2002)
Club playing career: Pontypridd, Cardiff, Celtic Warriors
Form guide: Top-notch. Like McBryde, Jenkins was one of Gatland’s right-hand men for more than eleven years with Wales, coaching the kickers to an impeccable standard and also offering skills expertise. Scored more than 1,000 points for Wales during his Test career. Was also pivotal to the Lions’ memorable 1997 Test series victory over South Africa.
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A statement on Gatland's meals has now had to be issued https://t.co/aqsPYJmvR2
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 8, 2021
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to comments