One of the most interesting facets of the Six Nations, ahead of the Lions tour, is that the England team seem to be missing the fun factor. Winning helps, of course, but even a quick look at the England side reveals that they don't seem to be enjoying their work.
I am picking Ireland to beat England tomorrow morning. I think you can see England are lacking confidence and that they have forgotten how to win games. Also, from a New Zealand perspective, a lot of them are tired - and this is still the side that will provide much of the Lions party for New Zealand.
Against France, England should have put them away - but they bombed it. Their body language shows a loss of confidence.
But tiredness might be the biggest factor with the Lions. These guys are going to be physically and mentally tired when they get to New Zealand. Their club competition is tough. Many will be playing right up to the premiership final on May 22. Then the Lions have a game against Argentina at Cardiff before playing Bay of Plenty on June 4.
Having said that, it's different in Britain. The English don't hurt like New Zealand hurts if the All Blacks lose. They're not always expected to win - although Andy Robinson has copped it for not changing the team more. He's got the right players, they just need a win. Then they'll bounce back quickly.
Wales, on the other hand, are going well. They have good backs and their forwards are developing into a strong unit. Ireland struggled at the start of the Six Nations but they're gathering confidence and will be hard to beat.
In selection terms for the Lions, those who have put their hands up include Gavin Henson of Wales and team-mate Martyn Williams, the openside flanker. Winger Shane Williams is another likely to be on the plane and the Welsh halfbacks, Dwayne Peel and Gareth Cooper, are very good. Peel will be in the Lions and Cooper might make it too, although Scotsman Chris Cusiter is pressing hard.
Brian O'Driscoll is favoured to be Lions captain - which surprises me a little. I'm not sure he's the type of man Sir Clive Woodward would normally favour. The 1997 Lions tour produced players like Johnson and Dallaglio and set the standard for UK professional rugby. They set a benchmark on and off the field.
But the Irish are a little different. They still enjoy the social side of the game. O'Driscoll is an outstanding player and if he is to lead a successful Lions tour he must have the total respect of all his team, not only on the field but also off it.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
One of the most interesting facets of the Six Nations, ahead of the Lions tour, is that the England team seem to be missing the fun factor. Winning helps, of course, but even a quick look at the England side reveals that they don't seem to be enjoying their work.
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