The British & Irish Lions tours are renowned for bringing together the best talent from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. But what happens when these stars feel their potential is stifled?
Finn Russell recently joined the ranks of Lions players voicing concerns about head coach Warren Gatland’s conservative approach, particularly after the narrow 2-1 series defeat against South Africa.
Here’s a look at other players who’ve openly questioned Gatland’s methods and called for a bolder, more expansive style of play on rugby’s biggest stage.
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#1. Sean O’Brien (2017) – “We Could Have Won 3-0”
After the 2017 New Zealand tour, Sean O’Brien, who started all three Tests of the drawn series, voiced his frustrations with the Lions’ game plan.
“If we had a little more structure during the weeks, and more of an attack gameplan, driven way earlier in the tour, I think we could have won 3-0,” he said. “With the players we had, we should have won the series.”
O’Brien later reinforced his point of view during an interview with teammate James Haskell, stating: “When you look at the players we had—there was so much world-class talent in the squad, enough to have won all the Tests.”
He noted that while New Zealand had an impressive history, he believed the Lions could have broken through: “Look at what has happened to New Zealand since 2017… We (Ireland) beat them in 2018; South Africa beat them down there in 2018; Argentina had their win last year, England destroyed them in the (2019) World Cup.”
Sean O’Brien Facts:
- Played for Ireland for ten years and toured twice with the Lions
- Primarily plays as an openside flanker, versatile across the back-row
- Co-owner of Bellamy’s Pub in Ballsbridge, Dublin, with Leinster teammates
#2. Finn Russell (2021) – “We Should Have Played More Rugby!”
Following the 2-1 defeat to South Africa, Finn Russell shared his perspective on the Lions’ tactics during an episode of the Scottish Rugby podcast.
“I thought that all three Tests we should have played more rugby and gone at them a little bit more,” he said. Reflecting on the first two Tests, he added, “The first two Tests we played off nine for two phases, and I kind of felt that played into their defence.”
Russell described watching the same tactics unfold as he sat on the bench: “We were keeping the attack narrow instead of having a wide attack… I was sitting on the bench thinking we are doing the same as in the last two games even though we’ve spoken about being a little bit more expansive.”
“There wasn’t much rugby that actually got played.
When he came on, he made his best efforts to switch up the strategy, saying, “With coming on early enough, I was able to try and play that style of rugby.”
Finn Russell Facts:
- His father worked in sports administration, including for the Scottish Rugby Union
- Trained as a stonemason before fully pursuing rugby
- Earned a cap with the Barbarians against England in the 2018 mid-year rugby tests
#3. Brian O’Driscoll (2013) – “I Just Wanted to Be Part of It”
The Lions’ 2013 tour to Australia saw a major moment of controversy, with Brian O’Driscoll dropped for the final Test and not included in training. On The Rugby Centurions podcast, he reflected,
“I came down on the Friday and on our whiteboard it said, ‘Non-23 are not needed at training.’ I thought, ‘They don’t even want us to hold shields.’ I found that very difficult.”
O’Driscoll later told Gatland that he felt the exclusion of non-playing members was a mistake, saying, “I thought that was a mistake… in so many teams it’s those that don’t get chosen that prep the team for battle.” Describing the experience as a “long 48 hours,” he shared how difficult it was to feel separated from the group that went on to make history.
Brian O’Driscoll Facts:
- Fourth most-capped player in rugby history with 141 test matches
- Holds Six Nations record for most tries scored with 26
- Now works as an analyst for BT Sport and ITV Sport and is an investor in several ventures, including the Ultimate Rugby app
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NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
