But it was an All Black side that is two years off its peak. A team without a Carter or McCaw.
And the Lions could choose players from a team, England, that on current form, probably beats New Zealand 2-1 in a three test series at Twickenham. An Ireland team who had already beaten New Zealand and an English side unbeaten since the World Cup. Add the options of picking the individual exceptional players of Scotland and Wales, and we should of had an unbeaten Lions tour.
That we avoided humiliation is not cause to be happy in this scenario. Big questions need to be asked about the coaching team, squad selection and the future of the Lions. Should England be involved? And if they are, who will compensate the teams for players lost?
And the Lions could choose players from a team, England, that on current form, probably beats New Zealand 2-1 in a three test series at Twickenham. An Ireland team who had already beaten New Zealand and an English side unbeaten since the World Cup. Add the options of picking the individual exceptional players of Scotland and Wales, and we should of had an unbeaten Lions tour.
That we avoided humiliation is not cause to be happy in this scenario. Big questions need to be asked about the coaching team, squad selection and the future of the Lions. Should England be involved? And if they are, who will compensate the teams for players lost?