Lions 2013: Lions will have 'huge advantage' - Robbie Deans
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

Australia coach Robbie Deans says the British and Irish Lions have a "huge advantage" in preparation for the first Test of the series on 22 June.
The tourists will play the Barbarians in Hong Kong and five matches down under before the opener in Brisbane.
Deans will have three weeks, but no matches, with his players, who will play no Super 15 games after 2 June.
"There's no doubt that the Lions will have a huge advantage in terms of entering the series," Deans said.
"You go back to 2001 [the last Lions series in Australia, which the Lions lost 2-1 after winning the first Test] and the Wallabies had similar time (to prepare) but with a (warm-up) game, so it was obviously a more complete prep and they got spanked in the first Test.
"[Former Australia coach] Rod Macqueen openly conceded that (the 2001 team's) preparation wasn't adequate, and he's genuinely concerned by what we're confronted with."
The Lions play four of the Australian Super 15 provinces - Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies - as well as a combined New South Wales/Queensland XV before the first Test.
The Australian Rugby Union has "quarantined" Test players from Round 17 of Super Rugby, when the Brumbies play the Melbourne Rebels (7 June) and the Force play the Waratahs (9 June), and Deans is unapologetic, despite the provinces' protests.
"It will still be the shortest preparation in the history of the game for a Lions series so we will want the group with us to prepare solely," said the New Zealander, who believes the Six Nations has highlighted the depth of talent available to the Lions.
"They've got a tough job selecting their group," he added. "A year ago the Welsh were the Grand Slam champions; it looks like the English will be the Grand Slam champions this time around.
"You saw the form of England at the end of last year. We knew having played them what a good side they were and then the whole world knew a week later when they tipped over the All Blacks.
"And then you get to pick the best out of the other combinations to add to that, and you end up with a pretty capable group."
Lions tour manager Andy Irvine says the final two rounds of Six Nations games are "absolutely crucial" in the tourists' selection process.
"Things are very wide open - I don't think there are all that many certainties pencilled in," he said. "There are a number who are highly likely to go, but certainties would perhaps be a bit too strong."
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*COUGH*Brian O'Driscoll*COUGH*
Perish the thought.
I feel sorry for the people who don't 'get' the Lions ethos, the 2nd test in '09 was one of the most intense and fiercely contested matches I've ever seen. This is part of what makes Rugby great, in very few other team sports do you get players from different nations coming together and fighting for 1 other.
This year will be the 125th anniversary of the Lions, which goes to show that it's popularity has endured the test of time. Just because you don't get it doesn't mean the rest of us don't.
Of course, they can also pick English players, who are far more likely to win the Champoinship.
And why pick Mike Phillips. If you want a veteran, why not Gareth Edwards? A much classier player, and probably would get his pass away quicker. Face it, my mum would get her pass away quicker.
No, he was born in Tonga. Wales have had their fair share of 'imports' so no moral high ground to be had I'm afraid. Weren't 1/3 of the Welsh XV in the last game born in England?
This is a Lions thread, please stick to it
My friend you are frequenting the wrong pubs Allow me to educate you If you should ask to watch the rugby and be told its a footy pub put your pint down after drinking it and walk out!
If you struggle to find a rugby pub (how you manage that I do not know!) Drop by your local rugby club, who will more then likely have skytv, beer and a set of blokes ready to watch it with you.
The team spirit in a Lion's camp is second to none. I hope it continues successfully regardless of political devolution!
I for one look forward to them. I used to have a pub and I know from my time there it was a popular event regardless of the kick off times. (After/Before Hours Obviously)
The original thread is being lost here, is this Grannygate again?
Lets all stick to the Lions thread
@9- The Lions go to Oz every 12 years so for the players it is a once in a lifetime chance to play them- some don't even get that. For the public it is the same 12 year wait until the next one. They care.
@12- You obviously don't get the point then. Your loss...
@20 - as an Englishman, I'm happy to cheer on an England team with 15 English-qualified players. 2 x Vuni and Manu learned their rugby at school in England. Your comment suggests to me you would have approved of the home team's selection policy at the 1936 Olympics.