WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) The British and Irish Lions are hoping their 13th rugby tour to New Zealand will be a lucky one, though that may depend on their ability to digest lessons of history and particularly to note the dangers of hubris.
The Lions have not been to New Zealand in 12 years and if the current squad needs a lesson in how not to handle one of world rugby’s toughest tours, they need look no further than Clive Woodward’s ill-fated 2005 team.
That squad left Britain hailed as the best rugby team ever assembled, not just in terms of players, coaches and support staff but in its preparation, analysis and equipment.