Graham Rowntree post Emerging Boks game

On preparing for the game on Saturday We have worked hard this week and had a good honesty session on Monday. We have trained as we can given a lot of guys were involved last night and we need good session tomorrow. Spirits are high - the guys are very positive from what we saw later in the game on Saturday and we just have to fix up that set piece. [more]

Lions Australia Tour 2013

On preparing for the game on Saturday We have worked hard this week and had a good honesty session on Monday. We have trained as we can given a lot of guys were involved last night and we need good session tomorrow. Spirits are high – the guys are very positive from what we saw later in the game on Saturday and we just have to fix up that set piece.

On preparing for the game on Saturday
We have worked hard this week and had a good honesty session on Monday. We have trained as we can given a lot of guys were involved last night and we need good session tomorrow. Spirits are high – the guys are very positive from what we saw later in the game on Saturday and we just have to fix up that set piece.

I think with the driving maul back, after a year under the ELVs, we were caught out cold and I don’t think we handle it all well against the Royal XV and came back and bit us on the backside at the weekend. That’s not to say we haven’t been working on it but obviously looking back over the videos we have to do things better technically as individuals and just have more have more of a collective spirit for that not to happen on our own line.

On Vickery’s form last night
Phil made a good impact last night. He’s a proud man, a very honest man and that has been reflected in comments following the game – Saturday was a collective effort and no one individual should be hung out to dry and I was delighted on the good impact he had on the game last night.

On Ross Ford
For a lot of those guys last night it was a big chance for them to play themselves into the Test team given what happened in the front row on Saturday. I have been really impressed with Ross, he is one of these players who has improved significantly during the tour and he is a pleasure to work with.

On the late arrivals
Tim Payne got off the plane Monday morning, did a team run and then played 80 minutes for us last night and I thought he was a contender for Man of the Match. John Hayes similarly – has not played for a few weeks and just got stuck in and we are really pleased with their performances.

On Andrew Sheridan
We are waiting for a medical report on Andy today and hopefully he will be in the mix for the weekend.

On being part of the legacy that beat the Boks 12 years and the drive that gives as a coach
It’s definitely driving me as a coach to help the players – I’m a facilitator for those players and in my area we failed for a crucial part of last week and it drives me to get that right this week.

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