Series draw may have saved Lions says legend McBride

Former British Lion Willie John McBride.

The Lions surprised the world champions by recovering from defeat in the first Test to claim a share of the spoils in a drawn three-match series.

The viability of the Lions, a composite side of four nations making a lengthy tour every four years, is often debated because of the position in the world game’s calendar.

There has also been discontent in Scotland about the low level of representation, with no Scots picked for any of the three Test match squads.

But McBride, a star of the only Lions side to win a series in New Zealand in 1971, wants to see the concept preserved and thinks the performance of Warren Gatland’s team has underlined its important and unique status.

McBride said: “It’s a tremendous achievement and, quite honestly, I think it has shocked a few people. A lot of people had written them off before they left because they didn’t really have enough time to put the team together. They have done a remarkable job.

“I think that this has, in many ways, saved the Lions. The concept is really unique and has gone now for well over 100 years. It would be dreadful in this professional era if it was ever messed around with.”

McBride believes Lions tours should be even longer. This summer’s schedule had the Lions playing three Tests  and seven other matches over five weeks, a much shortened fixture list than in McBride’s day.

In 1971, for example, the Lions played 26 games, including four Tests, and were in New Zealand for three months.

McBride, who played 17 Lions Tests as well as 63 for Ireland, said: “The one thing I feel sorry about is that the tour is actually too short. There are some tremendous players on this tour and they really haven’t had the time to gel together.”

McBride, however, does not believe the Lions should start playing matches at home, an idea recently revived by Sir Graham Henry, a former Lions and All Blacks coach.

McBride said: “He must have had the head wobbles because the Lions concept is really about a touring team. My answer to that is no.

“The concept of the Lions was to tour. To play at home would be a nonsense.”