All Blacks give Woodward food for thought

LONDON - British and Irish Lions rugby coach Clive Woodward must have been in quite high spirits as he trailed around Europe ahead of the All Blacks in preparation for next year's tour of New Zealand.

Until Sunday , that is, when in the final test of their tour at the Stade de France, Graham Henry's young side took France apart 45-6 in an awesome display of rugby.

The first two tests had been a routine drubbing of Italy and a victory over Wales by a single point and, it would be fair to say, that the 2004 All Blacks had hardly set Europe alight.

The win over France was all the more impressive when it is remembered that Henry, who coached the Lions in Australia on their last tour in 2001, had allowed established players such as Andrew Mehrtens and Carlos Spencer to skip the tour.

"Next summer will be a massive challenge for Clive Woodward and the Lions and I hope they have the right players," French manager Jo Maso warned.

Woodward should have a better idea of the players who will form the core of his party after the November tests and will have been relieved to see his former charges in the England squad bounce back after a poor year by beating South Africa and going down so narrowly to Australia.

The England tight five forwards still look ominous when at their best and the back row of Martin Corry, Joe Worsley and Lewis Moody did enough to put themselves in the frame.

With four tries in his first three England matches, winger Mark Cueto could seal a spot with a good Six Nations while fullback Jason Robinson looks like an automatic choice for a second Lions trip.

But it is no longer the case, as it was when Woodward was named Lions coach just after England's World Cup triumph, that on current form Englishmen would form the bulk of any Lions team.

Ireland had perhaps the most impressive campaign of the British Isles nations, beating the Springboks and then coming back to beat Argentina.

First five-eighth Ronan O'Gara showed great composure in kicking his side to victory over the Pumas, especially with his late, matchwinning dropped goal.

That will be reassuring given that England first-five and World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson took no part in the tests because of injury and is by no means certain to be fit for the Lions.

The Irish backs were quick and dynamic against the Springboks, when O'Gara also scored all their points, and if that form continues, world class centre Brian O'Driscoll should not be the only Irish three-quarter in Woodward's squad.

The Irish locks, particularly Paul O'Connell, also caught the eye again and the front row might also give Woodward something to think about.

Wales played some excellent running rugby in losing narrowly to South Africa and New Zealand

Centre Gavin Henson looked an excellent prospect, and with 14 out of 14 conversions against Japan, he adds a goalkicking option, while Dwayne Peel was probably the pick of their backs and would probably be first choice halfback were the squad to be chosen this week.

Flanker Colin Charvis also had an excellent series and if his inconsistency does not return in the Six Nations, he should also feature.

Scotland were poor in their two defeats to the Wallabies and the drubbing by South Africa and, on current form, only winger Chris Paterson and perhaps halfback Chris Cusiter would be in the reckoning.

The Six Nations always throws a few new names into the pot and given the evident strength in depth at Henry's disposal in New Zealand, Woodward will need them.

- REUTERS