Although it was an emphatically onesided curtain-raiser for the tourists, I think that the match served its purpose well. Amassing a record score will set things bubbling nicely and ensure that as a squad they will approach the following matches with a lot of cohesion and confidence.
We played Western Australia on the Irish tour in 1994 and it seems as if their programme has not undergone any radical overhaul since then. They are a limited force but perfect for a gentle introduction to what will become a torrid tour.
Overall, the Lions gave a pretty slick performance. I thought that the handling was extremely good, especially in close contact and guys like Danny Grewcock and Malcolm O'Kelly certainly embellished their reputations.
While the concession of two tries blemishes things a little, I wouldn't read too much into it. When you put up over 100 points, then it is almost inevitable that the concentration sags somewhat, inviting soft scores. Perhaps the Lions were guilty of trying to move it wide too early and too often. I thought they could have made more ground up the centre before trying to throw the ball well.
Having said that, some of the passing was sweet. Ronan O'Gara's ability to orchestrate the three-quarter line impressed me greatly. He kicked well also, despite the four misses. He did land a couple of fine early conversions from the touchline and finished with a respectable percentage. I actually think he could push Johnny Wilkinson for a Test spot but the great drawback for him is that both the English outhalf and Neil Jenkins will generally walk away from matches such as this with a 90 percent kicking record. But Ronan moved the ball, he kicked ahead intelligently and put in some useful tackles. It was a bright start for him.
Keith Wood was also his old self, looking both fit and determined. The O'Driscoll experiment is still a bit of a mystery because he was never really tested at full back. He did look slightly more at home when he returned to the centre but I would like to see them use Brian at number 15 again against more substantial opposition, maybe New South Wales. Because I feel he will be able to cope with whatever is thrown at him. His selection at full back for this match, highlights, I believe, the fears that the selectors have about the defensive cover in the back line. I would not be surprised if they have another look at him in that position.
Given the lopsided nature of the match, there were no really poor performances from a Lions perspective. Scott Quinnell had a fine game, working off Rob Howley to tremendous effect. And Simon Taylor certainly gave the sceptics pause for thought with his 20-minute show at the end. Iain Balshaw posted an early statement of intent which I am sure the host nation will study keenly.
From the coaches' point of view, things went perfectly. They emptied the bench and those who came in played well. They ran the ball, scored tries at will and walked way with no serious injuries. And while they will examine the build-up towards the Western Australian tries, I doubt the post mortem will be all that severe. I think they will view the scores in context; the team was 69-0 ahead. It was a slip-up, but a minor one and they can build up to the next outing in spirited mood.
(In an interview with Keith Duggan)
