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Lionheart Captain Johnson vows more of the same
HOOK, England (Reuters) -- Martin Johnson has vowed not to change his style of captaincy when the British Lions travel to Australia this summer. Four years ago Johnson inspired the Lions to victory over South Africa with a series of huge performances on the field. He was not a man for table thumping pre-match team talks -- Irish hooker Keith Wood happily took that role -- preferring to lead by example. Having subsequently taken over the England captaincy, a role he carries out with the same lack of bluster, and led club side Leicester to a treble of titles, his method has been proven a successful one. "In 1997 I was a very experienced captain with a lot of experienced players around me," Johnson said at a news conference Tuesday. "I am a more experienced captain now but there are also a lot of leaders in their own right travelling and they have already contributed fantastically to the outcome of the tour. "Last time we travelled to South Africa I received a lot of advice from the senior players on the tour and this time it will be no different. "But I won't change my style of captaincy from South Africa. I will always captain any side as the same Martin Johnson." Johnson, who is the first man in Lions history to captain two tours, believes rugby in the British Isles has been on a high since his side's memorable 2-1 victory in South Africa four years ago. As a result the lock believes there is a greater air of expectancy among the tourists. "People have been talking about the test series in Australia for weeks, even as far back as the last 18 months. "The expectations are a lot greater this time around then when we toured South Africa. "British rugby has been on a high since the Lions won against South Africa and it's important we keep it going. "It is up to us to make our own mark and we are looking forward to creating our own bit of history if we can." Dallaglio will be fit, says Robinson Andy Robinson, assistant to Lions coach Graham Henry, believes that Lawrence Dallaglio will be fit to face the Australians. Dallaglio has been battling to overcome knee ligament damage, and the Lions management is more confident by the day that the former England skipper will be fit. "Lawrence is doing more and more and the way things are going his injury is looking very positive," Robinson said after training Tuesday. "Rugby is a physical game and you are bound to pick up knocks but if Lawrence continues his recovery at the same rate then I am sure he will be fine for the tour. "Certain players who have picked up knocks or have played a lot of rugby in the closing weeks of the season won't be risked at the start of the tour and Lawrence will be one of those. "We are taking a 37-man squad and there is sure to be differing permutations but I expect the full squad to be fit," he added. Robinson praised the Lions squad for the dedication displayed in their first few days of training together and warned the Australians his tourists will be travelling in confident mood. He said has already been impressed by the camaraderie shown on the training pitch. "When you have quality players in the squad you understand what makes them play quality rugby," Robinson said. "The squad are very good at communicating with each other and they are very good at developing relationships. "Every player has a mutual respect for each other and each one has displayed very good social skills. "They are great players but they have all kept their feet on the ground and they are very humble. "The series will be a mighty challenge but we will travel full of confidence and self belief that we can return triumphant." Henry: Places still up for grabs Lions coach Henry says that he has yet to think about his first-choice XV and that everyone in the squad is playing for a test place. "I have something roughly worked out for the first two games but I don't know yet what my test side will be," the New Zealander taking charge of the British and Irish select side said Tuesday. "So the first two games are important, although I shall be resting one or two (players). I am looking for form on tour so the team is wide open." Four years ago in South Africa several outside bets, such as props Tom Smith and Paul Wallace, forced their way into the test side ahead of more fancied tourists such as England's Jason Leonard. Henry is making it clear to his 37-man squad that the same opportunities exist in Australia and he says everyone is raring to go. "The players have been involved in a lot of domestic rugby but they are in great shape," said Henry, who is taking time from his job as Wales coach to lead the Lions. "They look hungry and sharp in training, wanting to prove themselves. "They are all excited and are now just desperate to get over there and start playing rugby." The squad departs for Australia on June 1 and plays its first tour game in Perth agaist Western Australia a week later.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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