January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Expect big hits in the semis
Expect big hits in the semis
Lions manager Allan Martin, a former Welsh international, said the clash with New Zealand was too close to call.
And with Australia and South Africa set to do battle in the other semi-final on Thursday, he predicted it would be a case of 'last man standing'.
"I don't think many teams at home play three games in a week. It's tough to ask boys who haven't played for a while to do it.
"It may be only 30 minutes-a-half but it is pretty intense out there. "
Martin, who has been to all 19 Classics, said it was more competitive than ever. And he added that the players had been forced to tone down the socializing as the action on the pitch had become more intense.
"We still enjoy ourselves but most of the boys are more careful now. There used to be something on every night, but it's not easy for these boys. There's big hits, big tackles, its tough rugby."
The Lions beat France in the dying seconds of extra-time on Sunday after a defensive error allowed David Scully to cross the line for the game-winning try.
And Martin predicted another exciting encounter between two very evenly matched sides tonight.
"Both sides want to win. They are all very accomplished rugby players. It will be a good exciting game - a game worth watching, that's for sure.
"The crowd want to be entertained, the ball needs to be thrown around. They want to see people sprinting for the line. That's what we want to. It's about having a good time and enjoying yourself, we've all got to go back to work on Monday morning."
Though he believes the Classic will never lose it's 'friendly' element, he said it had become much more competitive over the years.
"Some of the players that are coming now are coming off professional contracts. They are bigger, stronger and their defences are better organized. It's good for the tournament.
"It's tough to play three games in a week, though, no matter how fit you are. It will probably be a case of last man standing at the end."
He added that the Lions had not changed their policy of staying away from the training field, despite the added competition.
"Oh God no, we don't do any of that," he said after a day at the beach on Tuesday.
"We got together for the first time at Gatwick airport and we had a ten-minute run out before the France game on Sunday. That's us for the week now."
Classic Schedule
Semi-Final 1 - Lions v All Blacks, 8.30pm, tonight
Plate Semi-Final 1 - Argentina v France, 7pm, tonight
Semi-Final 2 - Australia v South Africa, 8.30pm, Thursday
Plate semi-final - Canada v United States, 7pm, Thursday
Tickets - $25 on the door[[In-content Ad]]
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