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Lions defend Queenstown beers in build up to third Test
In the days after such a historic win, the Lions now look ahead to the unenviable task of taking on a wounded All Blacks side and returning to an Eden Park, where no visiting side has been victorious since 1994.
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One of the most fascinating aspects of the pre-match build up is getting a glimpse into the mindset of both camps and seeing their approach to such a momentous test.
The Lions are on a three day visit to Queenstown, where the only imposed sanction is that they are not permitted to go skiing.
Remarkables ??#LionsNZ2017 squad ?
Check out the best ? from training in Queenstown ? https://t.co/C6AGI7P6gx#NZLvBIL#AllForOne pic.twitter.com/S9vZ46tNtn
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 5, 2017
Photo’s on social media show the team on jet boats, helicopter rides and even bungee jumping, which is sure to take one’s mind of the biggest game of your professional career, at least momentarily.
In one image Ben Te’o is pictured having a beer, relaxing in front of a majestic New Zealand back drop.
It all seems pretty relaxed, which has raised eyebrows within some camps, most notably perhaps from within the New Zealand squad.
All Black backrow Jerome Kaino told The Telegraph:
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“I’d rather be training, to be honest. Yeah, although jet boating in Queenstown does sound pretty good. I’m sure they’ve thrown some training in there somewhere, but hey, if that’s what they think will get the best out of their players, then good on them.”
The flanker went on to say that, “for us, we’ve got a lot of improvements to make in how we want to play in wide areas, so we’re just worried about what we’re going to do.”
Jerome Kaino questions Lions' midweek getaway https://t.co/wHpChSRXKE pic.twitter.com/pm1G9qm5Rj
— Esteban Novo (@estebannovo) July 4, 2017
With regards alcohol, it appears to be an individual based decision on whether it is or isn’t appropriate to have a drink, something Head of strength and conditioning Paul Stridgeon alluded to this week.
“The players made their own rules at the start in conjunction with the coaches. They have been very professional and are all very switched on.
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“We’ve not had to put a policy on the boys. We had a social night early on in the tour but that was very helpful for bonding.
“The tour has been very arduous for the boys. Every day off we’ve had, we’ve travelled. The boys haven’t had any proper days off, so it’s great to have the boys refreshed. The boys have been enjoying some activities, a bit of mental and physical recovery.
“We will start training on Wednesday to be ready to go for the weekend. It mirrors 2009 and 2013 when we had a recovery part for the start of the final week. That is our blueprint.”
The psychology behind the current approach is best illustrated by a decision made by Andy Farrell during the victorious 2013 Australia Tour.
Stridgeon recalls a moment directly after an emotionally and physically draining second test defeat: “They all wanted to train on the Monday, and he made a comment that if we’d done that we’d have played our Test match by Friday.
“It’s mental refreshment so we won’t have played our game too early. We know that the players have been on the season 11 months. We think we can negate the effects of the travel and intensity by having this week.”
Who's in for the 3rd and final Test?
Find out at 20:00 BST tonight…#NZLvBIL #LionsNZ2017 pic.twitter.com/yKoMCqG7DG
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 5, 2017
There are clear differences in the preparations for Saturdays decider, and to someone outside the Lions camp it may appear that they are missing out on crucial preparation time. However, what it ultimately boils down to is that both sides are at different points in their season, with New Zealand’s’ players midway through their southern hemisphere campaign.
The Lions on the other hand are at the tail end of a long and grueling season. It isn’t a case of taking their foot off the gas, but allowing their players to mentally and physically recover for one final and gargantuan push in Eden Park.
