Blacked Out: The Inside Story of the Lions in New Zealand 2005 - Rilegato

Roberts, Gareth; Robertson, Ken

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 1845960599 ISBN 13: 9781845960599

Casa editrice: Mainstream Publishing, 2005

Riassunto

After England's World Cup success in 2003 and the disappointment in New Zealand at their own team's performance in that competition, the visit of the Lions was always going to be seen by the All Blacks as the best way to restore their standing in world rugby. It was also a clash of the coaches with Graham Henry, chosen as Lions coach in 2001 ahead of Clive Woodward, this time leading the All Blacks against the recently elevated Sir Clive.
Mick Cleary tells the inside story of an eventful six weeks that was followed in New Zealand by 20,000 travelling supporters and by millions on television. He revives memories of the highs and lows of the tour. He discusses the management style of Sir Clive Woodward, his strategy and his team selection. He also examines the relationship between the tour management and the media and also the partnership between the referee and his touch judges in controlling infringements both on and off the ball.
Blacked Out describes how the All Blacks dominated the series with a power and a passion that was too much for the Lions who never played together with the same confidence and conviction. There was, however, no doubting the commitment of the Lions players in trying to match up to the aspirations and expectations of their supporters, and they battled to the end.
Despite defeat for the Lions in the first two Tests, their resilient fans continued to enjoy New Zealand hospitality, and the red army massed at Eden Park in a final attempt to lift their team to a consolation win. But it was all in vain. The All Blacks were simply too good and Rico Gear's runaway try in the dying moments was an appropriate finale to the series.
The outcome of the tour may have been a disappointment to Lions fans, but the watching world witnessed an impressive resurgence in New Zealand rugby and some fine individual performances especially from Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Chris Jack and All Black captain Tana Umaga.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

"'Joe Public will care only about why the team failed to deliver, and Cleary's polished account provides the answers'." (Rugby World)

Descrizione del libro:

It is 12 years since the British and Irish Lions last visited New Zealand. Coach Ian McGeechan's book of that tour was titled So Close to Glory - and indeed it was. Having narrowly lost the First Test, the Lions came back to square the series in the Second, only to run out of steam in the final game a week later. It was another case of what might have been and John Dawes' team of 1971 remain the last Lions squad to have defeated the All Blacks.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Mainstream Publishing
• Data di pubblicazione: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1845960599
• ISBN 13: 9781845960599
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 159