Weather dictates boots-and-all ferocity in Lions Test against All Blacks

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFP) — The first Test between the All Blacks and the Lions Saturday has all the ingredients of a titanic forward battle and a dour kicking duel as wintry storms threaten to rule out expansive, running rugby.

Both rival coaches, Graham Henry and Clive Woodward, opted for extra kickers to boot their way into scoring situations, with the Lions coach taking the shock measure of moving England's World Cup winning flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson to inside centre.

As surprising as the tactic may be, pairing Welsh flyhalf Stephen Jones with Wilkinson offers the Lions a right foot-left foot combination which extends the kicking options in the howling, wet and cold southerly storm forecast to rip through Jade Stadium.

For the All Blacks it is the...