English players dominant in Henry's Lions

LONDON - Coach Graham Henry named a British and Irish Lions squad dominated by English players and captained by England's Martin Johnson for what he described as rugby's biggest challenge against Australia.

The New Zealander selected 18 English players in his 37-strong party to tour Australia in June and July with 10 from Wales, six from Ireland and three from Scotland.

The climax to the 10-match tour will be a three-test series against the World Cup-winning Wallabies.

Australia were today quoted 4-6 favourites to win the series. The tourists will travel to Australia on June 1 as 11-10 chances.

Johnson will make history as the first player to lead the Lions on successive tours after he inspired the 1997 party to a 2-1 defeat of the then reigning world champions South Africa.

Playing expansive, entertaining rugby, England have dominated this year's Six Nations and beat South Africa and Australia at Twickenham at the start of the European season.

Ten of the 17 backs are from England including former rugby league international winger Jason Robinson, who only switched to union this season and appeared only as a replacement for England in the Six Nations.

But Henry said: "He is exciting. He has made a real impact in club football. He is the type of guy who can win matches."

He added: "Australia are the best rugby nation in the world. That is our challenge. What greater challenge is there than that?"

Henry declined to say exactly what tactics the Lions will adopt but it is clear from his selection that he wants the team to play an open, fast game with the ball in their hands if conditions allow it.

That was confirmed by the selection of young England fullback Iain Balshaw, the most dynamic player in the Six Nations this season with his running from deep, as well as Scotland's mobile number eight Simon Taylor.

Balshaw is included alongside compatriot Matt Perry who lost his place in the England team this season.

But Welsh centre Scott Gibbs, one of the most important players in the Lions' historic series defeat of South Africa in their last tour in 1997, and Scotland's first five-eighths-cum-centre Gregor Townsend were not selected.

Henry said Gibbs, one of the toughest tacklers in the game, had been unlucky.

Townsend had missed out on one of the three first five eighths slots - taken by England's Jonny Wilkinson, Wales's Neil Jenkins and Ireland's Ronan O'Gara - because the other players were more accomplished goalkickers.

"I can console myself with the fact that the midfield positions were probably the most hotly-contested in the squad, but the disappointment will take a long, long time to get over," the 30-year-old Gibbs said.

"Life goes on and there is always tomorrow, but from the start of the season my main aim was to go to Australia with the Lions."

The Welshman's national and club partner Mark Taylor did win a place in the centres, however, together with swift Irishman Brian O'Driscoll and his compatriot Rob Henderson and England's duo Mike Catt and Will Greenwood.

Johnson's role in leading the Lions to victory against South Africa in 1997 and his leadership for England this season were behind the decision to give him the captaincy for a second time.

"He was the obvious choice to lead the Lions again," Henry said.

"He has had success at the top level and England have won eight matches on the trot, I think," Henry said.

While Henry has picked a squad capable of playing expansive rugby, the players are also big enough to defend against the powerful Australian backs, even without the aggressive Gibbs.

There were few major surprises with England's Matt Dawson and Welshman Rob Howley getting the halfback berths together with England's Austin Healey, a utility back who can play on the wing as well in the number nine jersey.

The selection marked a superb comeback for Howley whose 1997 tour was brought to a premature end by a collar bone injury. He has also bounced back after losing his place in the Wales side.

Ireland captain Keith Wood, a massive influence in the dressing room in 1997, is selected among the hookers together with England's Phil Greening and Wales's Robin McBryde.

One of the most competitive areas for places was in the back row. Taylor has earned a place on the tour which should give the Lions extra speed from the base of the scrum.

"He is a good runner with the ball and you need ball carriers against the Australians. He could come back as a star," Henry said.

"We need players who can use the ball in hand."

The back row also has power in Welshman Scott Quinnell and ball-winners from open play in England's Neil Back, Richard Hill and Lawrence Dallaglio.

Welshman Martyn Williams has also been selected after showing excellent form this season.

The Lions will start training together on May 26 in southern England. The tests take place on June 30 and July 7 and 14.

- REUTERS