Does England's fall from grace in the Six Nations rugby championship bode badly for the British Lions when they tour New Zealand in the coming season? So dominant have the Poms been in recent times there had been talk of as many as 20 of their squad making the trip downunder. But such numbers seem somewhat on the liberal side now that they have already lost to Wales and France in 2005 and., in fact, have won just five of their 13 internationals since winning the World Cup in 2003. Methinks Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward-a 'Pom himself of course- won't be losing too much sleep over England's demise. Easing his pain will be the continued improvement shown by the other three parties to the Lions tour??Ireland, Wales and Scotland. I for one couldn't be bothered even watching delayed coverage of their Six Nations games even just a couple of seasons ago. As often as not you got the feeling that even Wairarapa-Bush wouldn't have been embarrased in their company. The Irish always looked willing but seldom able and there was nothing adventurous about either the Welsh or the Scots. For all three losing had become a habit and their standard of play had suffered as a consequence. It's a different story now though. Maybe because they can at last sense that both England and France are on the downward spiral you can see the spring in the step of the Irish, the Welsh, and to a slightly lesser extent, the Scots. There is a refreshing enthusiasm about their play and they actually give the impression of enjoying themselves. The trick now for Sir Clive and his henchman, of course, is to marry together the talents of their leading players, plus the few less than expected from the Poms as well.. If they manage to do that-and it won't be easy- the Lions will be no push-overs, that's for sure.
