'Our back line could pose a threat'

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2: “We will have to fight fire with fire.”

That’s how Lions’ coach Allan Martin says his side has to approach this year’s Rugby Classic to stand any chance of getting to the final.

The Lions have endured disappointing campaigns in the last two tournaments but this year Martin says he has his sights firmly set on the final.

He told the Bermuda Sun: “I’m always optimistic about our chances but we have to front up to the big teams this year.

“The last two years have been frustrating and disappointing — but this year should be different.

“We have a good squad and for many like Dave Scully and Paul Jones it could be their last Classic so they will have a point to prove.

Great

“Josh Lewsey is coming in for the first time this year and he is a great guy to have on the pitch.

“I think we have potentially the best back line we have had for some time and they will pose threats across the field.

“We have to hit the ground running and fight fire with fire.”

If the Classic Lions are to progress in this year’s competition they will most probably have to get passed the All Blacks in the semi-finals.

The Kiwis have won the last two Rugby Classics convincingly and will be desperate to do the treble.

But the Classic Lions team sheet boasts a good mix of pace and experience – and as always they have a formidable pack.

Martin, who has coached the Lions for 24 years now, added: “It’s a big game for us to get second time up.

“We need to concentrate on the Italians to begin with but if we are not at our best when we face the All Blacks that could be it for us.

“The All Blacks are bound to be a strong side full of pace and power.

“We need to combat that and work to our strengths in the pack and out wide.

“It should be a great game and a little support from the Bermuda crowd would be very welcome for the boys.”

The Classic Lions will arrive in Bermuda on Friday.

And they will get the chance to have their first run out at Warwick Academy playing fields on Saturday.

Important

This year the squad includes the Irish giant Malcolm O’Kelly, the former English scrum half Andy Gomersall and Welsh back-rower Colin Charvis.

Martin added: “The Classic really has become more and more competitive each year.

“It is really tough rugby now and it’s my job to make sure the new comers to the tournament know what to expect when they get on the pitch.

“The Classic has become an important fixture in the rugby calendar and players want to be a part of it these days.

“And for me it’s as much fun as it always has been.

“This year we have to set getting to the final as our goal. If we can do that, well, of course we’ll have a chance to win it.”