Blacked Out

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After England's World Cup success in 2003 and the disappointment in New Zealand at their own team’s performance in that competition, the visit of the Lions was always going to be seen by the All Blacks as the best way to restore their standing in world rugby. It was also a clash of the coaches with Graham Henry, chosen as Lions coach in 2001 ahead of Clive Woodward, this time leading the All Blacks against the recently elevated Sir Clive. Mick Cleary tells the inside story of an eventful six weeks that was followed in New Zealand by 20,000 travelling supporters and by millions on television. He revives memories of the highs and lows of the tour. He discusses the management style of Sir Clive Woodward, his strategy and his team selection. He also examines the relationship between the tour management and the media and also the partnership between the referee and his touch judges in controlling infringements both on and off the ball. Blacked Out describes how the All Blacks dominated the series with a power and a passion that was too much for the Lions who never played together with the same confidence and conviction. There was, however, no doubting the commitment of the Lions players in trying to match up to the aspirations and expectations of their supporters, and they battled to the end. Despite defeat for the Lions in the first two Tests, their resilient fans continued to enjoy New Zealand hospitality, and the red army massed at Eden Park in a final attempt to lift their team to a consolation win. But it was all in vain. The All Blacks were simply too good and Rico Gear’s runaway try in the dying moments was an appropriate finale to the series. The outcome of the tour may have been a disappointment to Lions fans, but the watching world witnessed an impressive resurgence in New Zealand rugby and some fine individual performances especially from Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Chris Jack and All Black captain Tana Umaga.

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Mick Cleary is rugby union correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. He was co-editor of Rothmans Rugby Union Yearbook until it ceased publication in 1999 and also co-editor of the IRB International Rugby Yearbook. He is the author of Wounded Pride: The Official Book of the Lions in Australia 2001, Scotland’s Grand Slam, Carling’s Men, The Carling Years and he combined with Ian McGeechan to write Heroes All: The Official Book of the Lions in South Africa 1997.