Fear and loathing drive All Blacks and Lions towards explosive Test

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2005

WELLINGTON (AFP) — The second rugby Test between the All Blacks and the Lions promises to get off to an explosive start here Saturday with fear and loathing igniting a fierce forward battle that could be decided in the first 20 minutes.

The Lions are wounded, angry and seeking revenge. The All Blacks are fired up to produce a blockbuster opening that builds on the momentum of their 21-3 first Test victory and dispels even the slightest trace of weakness or complacency.

The opening quarter will likely dictate the outcome, warned All Blacks captain Tana Umaga.

A controversial tackle by Umaga that dislocated the shoulder of rival skipper Brian O'Driscoll last week has been used by the Lions management as a critical motivating factor for the next clash.

...