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Lionheart Johnson retains captaincy for tour of Australia
Updated: Wednesday April 25, 2001 10:02 AM
LONDON (Reuters) -- Coach Graham Henry named a British and Irish Lions squad dominated by English players and captained by England's Martin Johnson on Wednesday for what he described as rugby's biggest challenge -- a three-test series against world champion Australia in its own back yard. The New Zealander selected 18 English players in his 37-strong party to tour Australia in June and July with 10 from Wales, six from Ireland and three from Scotland. Johnson will become the first player to lead the Lions on successive tours after he inspired the 1997 party to a 2-1 defeat of the then reigning world champion South Africa. Playing expansive, entertaining rugby, England has dominated this year's Six Nations and beat South Africa and Australia in tests at Twickenham at the start of the European season. England provides 10 of the 17 backs including former rugby league international winger Jason Robinson, who has only switched to union this season and appeared only as a replacement for England in the Six Nations. But Henry said: "He is exciting. He has made a real impact in club football. He is the type of guy who can win matches." He added: "Australia are the best rugby nation in the world. That is our challenge. What greater challenge is there than that?" Henry declined to say exactly what tactics the Lions will adopt but it is clear from his selection that he wants the team to continue playing an expansive game with the ball in their hands. That was confirmed by the selection of young England fullback Iain Balshaw, the most dynamic player in the Six Nations this season with his running from deep. He is included alongside compatriot Matt Perry who was dropped to make way for Balshaw in the England team. But Welsh center Scott Gibbs, one of the most important players in the Lions' historic series defeat of South Africa in their last tour in 1997, and Scotland's flyhalf-cum-center Gregor Townsend were not selected. Henry said Gibbs, one of the toughest tacklers in the game, had been unlucky. Townsend had missed out on one of the three flyhalf slots -- taken by England's Jonny Wilkinson, Wales's Neil Jenkins and Ireland's Ronan O'Gara -- because the other players were more accomplished goalkickers. But Gibbs's Welsh partner Mark Taylor did win a place in the centers -- one of the most difficult areas of selection for Henry. Swift Irishman Brian O'Driscoll and his compatriot Rob Henderson and England's duo Mike Catt and Will Greenwood were also named among the centers. Johnson's role in leading England to victory against South Africa four years ago and his form this season were behind the decision to make history by giving him the captaincy for the second tour in a row. "He was the obvious choice to lead the Lions again," Henry said. "He has had success at the top level and England have won eight matches on the trot, I think," Henry said. Few surprises While Henry has picked a squad capable of playing open, expansive rugby, the players are also big enough to defend against the powerful Australian backs, even without the aggressive Gibbs. There were few major surprises with England's Matt Dawson and Welshman Rob Howley getting the scrumhalf berths together with England's Austin Healey, a utility back who can play on the wing as well in the number nine jersey. Ireland captain Keith Wood, a massive influence in the dressing room on the last Lions tour, is selected among the hookers together with England's Phil Greening and Wales's Robin McBryde. One of the most competitive areas for places was in the back row. Scotland's Simon Taylor has earned a place on the tour which should give the Lions extra speed from the base of the scrum if they want to play a fast game with the ball in hand. "He is a good runner with the ball and you need ball carriers against the Australians. He could come back as a star," Henry said. "We need players who can use the ball in hand." The back row also has power in Welshman Scott Quinnell and ball-winners from open play in England's Neil Back, Richard Hill and Lawrence Dallaglio. Welshman Martyn Williams has also been selected after showing excellent form this season. The Lions will start training together on May 26 in southern England before flying to Australia on June 1 for the 10-match tour. The tests take place on June 30 and July 7 and 14. Backs: Iain Balshaw (England, Bath), Matt Perry (England, Bath), Ben Cohen (England, Northampton), Dafyyd James (Wales, Llanelli), Dan Luger (England, Saracens), Jason Robinson (England, Sale), Austin Healey (England, Leicester), Mike Catt (England, Bath), Will Greenwood (England, Harlequins), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland, Blackrock College), Rob Henderson (Ireland, Wasps), Jonny Wilkinson (England, Newcastle), Ronan O'Gara (Ireland, Cork Constitution), Neil Jenkins (Wales, Cardiff), Mark Taylor (Wales, Swansea), Matt Dawson (England, Northampton), Rob Howley (Wales, Cardiff). Forwards: Jason Leonard (England, Harlequins), Darren Morris (Wales, Swansea), Tom Smith (Scotland, Brive), Phil Vickery (England, Gloucester), David Young (Wales, Cardiff), Keith Wood (Ireland, Harlequins), Phil Greening (England, Wasps), Martin Johnson (captain) (England, Leicester), Scott Murray (Scotland, Saracens), Simon Taylor (Scotland, Edinburgh), Danny Grewcock (England, Saracens), Malcolm O'Kelly (Ireland, St Marys College), Richard Hill (England, Saracens), Martyn Williams (Wales, Cardiff), Robin McBryde (Wales, Llanelli), Jeremy Davidson (Ireland, Castres), Colin Charvis (Wales, Swansea), Lawrence Dallaglio (England, Wasps), Scott Quinnell (Wales, Llanelli), Neil Back (England, Leicester).
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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