Rugby Union

Eddie Jones tips British and Irish Lions to "struggle" under Warren Gatland

Eddie Jones cannot see the British and Irish Lions troubling New Zealand if boss Warren Gatland adopts his usual approach.
By , Football League Correspondent
Filed:
Updated: Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 07:39 UK

England head coach Eddie Jones has warned Warren Gatland that his British and Irish Lions side will find life "very tough" against New Zealand if he does not change his tactics.

The Kiwi has adopted a famed 'Warrenball' approach during his time in charge of Wales, utilising power and direct running to get the better of the opposition.

Jones does not believe that this approach will work against the back-to-back world champions, however, claiming that Gatland's men will struggle if a similar ploy is used during their upcoming tour.

"It is going to be very tough for them," he told the The Telegraph. "They have picked a certain style of team based on the influence of the Welsh coaches.

"So I think they are looking to attack like Wales with big, gain-line runners with not much ball movement. I think you struggle to beat the All Blacks like that.

"You've got to keep the pressure on, you've got to exert pressure in areas that they don't like, which is traditionally the close set-piece play but then have the ability when you create opportunities, to turn that into points.

"Ireland did it really well and I think the Lions are going to struggle. If they win the first Test, they win the series. If they don't, I think it might be a tough old series for them."

The Lions, who arrive in New Zealand on Wednesday, are seeking a second Test series triumph over their opponents since 1971.

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