Lions Tour 2017: Graham Henry's warning - Lay off the Lions

Graham Henry has told Kiwi critics to lay off the Lions.

The World Cup-winning former All Blacks coach is disappointed with criticism of the Lions' playing style since getting their New Zealand tour back on track with an impressive but grinding 12-3 win over Super Rugby pacesetters the Crusaders.

Writing in a column published in the London Telegraph today, Henry dismissed with equal disdain the bleating about the Lions' kick-dominated tactics.

"There was criticism in some quarters about the style of game the Lions played, their kicking and turning game, 'in the washing machine, back and back, back and forth,' as Crusaders coach, Scott Robertson put it," acknowledged Henry.

"I don't agree with the criticisms. It would be a sad day for rugby if it were only ever played in one way. Just because there are 500 passes in a game doesn't mean it's a good game.

"A contest is about presenting a challenge, posing questions and the Lions did that.....kicking is a huge part of the modern game and has been part of the All Blacks armoury for some years. Kick to exit, kick to recover, kick to score, kick-pass - there are many facets to it.

The Lions are playing in the manner in which they have grown up. That is the style with which they are most comfortable and I'm sure the Lions will not be deviating much from it.

"Why would they? Why should they? That is what Eddie Jones has done with England, recognised the natural strengths of the game there and brought them to bear.

"The game in New Zealand is fundamentally different to the game in Europe. Some of that is down to climate. Super Rugby is played in the summer.

"Kids here also play with ball in hand from the moment they first play the game. It's in their genes. But, as we saw and as we know, there is more than one way to play."

Henry felt the Crusaders had lacked their characteristic calmness in the battle.

"Why did they not take the points on offer from penalties? There are times when you need to be pragmatic and take the points in a tight game any way you can," he wrote.

"And, yes, I learned that the hard way when we didn't look for a drop goal in that World Cup quarter-final against France in Cardiff in 2007. It cost us that night. And it cost the Crusaders.

"The match in Christchurch was massive in the context of this tour. The Lions have made a statement that they are going to be competitive come Test match time and that's critical for our great game.

"It wasn't that the Crusaders played poorly, it was that the Lions forced those mistakes.

"For the first time in 2017, the Crusaders were under constant pressure and didn't have the time or the space to execute and lost their discipline. It was a terrific performance from the Lions in that regard."