British & Irish Lions. The Coaching Conundrum.

'There's plenty of Rugby still to be played' and 'I'm only focusing on the next game'. Expect to hear these soundbites being reeled of by any number of possible British & Irish Lions over the next year, when quizzed on their candidacy for TBC's squad of X players to tour NZ. 

Sure, there is plenty of Rugby still to be played before the Lions lineup against the creatively named, 'Provincial Union Team', in Whangarei, some 360 days from now. However, player efforts to avert selection discussion will not be mirrored by fans. In fact, I know at some point this weekend, I will encounter the President of the Bolton Welsh Rugby Supporters Club, and he will demand I provide him my Lions XV, complete with selection justifications. I should then be prepared to defend my choices, including the ridiculous bolter (normally Cipriani), against his considered interrogation.  

Perhaps a more pertinent discussion leading into this Weekend's test matches would be to name the man who will be chosen to do the choosing. Lion's official's have confirmed that they will name a coach following the June tests, and that the expectation would be for the successful candidate to make Lions duties their primary focus for the 2016/2017 season. 

The requirement for a 12 month sabbatical would seemingly rule out Grand Slam Winner, Eddie Jones, from the equation. I would expect The RFU to take the stance that lending out the services of Jones, represents an unnecessary risk as they seek to build, both toward the next World Cup, and also the reputation of their organisation following a hefty volume of criticism post Rugby World Cup. Jones, has himself gone on record as saying that he would turn down the Lions job. 

For the three Kiwis - Gatland, Schmidt, and Cotter, the chance to get one over the motherland, in such a high profile arena would surely prove irresistible. Schmidt and Gatland, probably hold sufficient credit in the bank with their respective employers, to allow to be granted Lions leave. The SRU would be justifiably concerned as to whether 12 months minus Cotter would be a case of sliding down a snake, having only just got on the ladder 

Gatland has the 'been there done that' pedigree as a Lions coach. But at this stage, I suspect he would be unpopular choice, and not just in Ireland. Within the principality it has become apparent that appreciation of 'Gatlandball', is reliant on one thing, results. The perceived simplicity of the approach, makes it simple to rip apart when it is not yielding a W after the eighty. The next three weekends will provide an ideal yardstick, against which to measure Gatland's ability to prepare a team and a strategy to compete against the World Champions, in their own yard. 

Rewind the clock 12 months, and Joe Schmidt would have been the front runner for the job. However, an underwhelming Rugby World Cup campaign, backed up by an ordinary Six Nations have blurred memories of back to back Six Nations titles, and an Irish performance that had the All Blacks beaten, but for added time. There aren't many tougher challenges for a coach looking to rally his stock, than three tests in South Africa after a long season. What better test then of Schmidt's ability to mentally prepare his players to compete when the chips are stacked against them. A quality that would be high on the 'required skills' list for a prospective Lions coach. 

The one they call Stern Vern, doesn't have the winning international pedigree of his aforementioned antipodean coaching compatriots. Even during his time at Clermont, they were perpetual nearly men. Why would we want this guy then? Cotter's ability as a coach is better reflected by the manner in which the Scotish team have developed, and the positive brand of Rugby they play under his tutelage. Not forgetting how close they came to being World Cup semi finalists. The old cliche is that it's a results business. From that perspective, a successful application from Cotter, would be heavily dependent on the panel deeming that Stern Vern could be Victorious Vern given the right base of talent. 

Is it a must that the chosen one must come from the international circle? If not, then Saracens' Mark McCall must be a reasonable shout. The Ulsterman, capped 13 times for Ireland, has been at the helm of Saracens as they established, and subsequently cemented their position as the top of English Rugby's domestic table. He is of course now European champion, which by Mourinho's standards makes him 'The Special One'. Never one to seek the limelight during the repeated success of his team, 'The Humble One', might be slightly more apt. Saracens under McCall have become renowned for their Wolfpack mentality. A term that not only reflects their notorious and ruthless approach to defence, but also the unity of the group, that has been derived from treating people well off the field. This ability to create and maintain collective accord by managing the individual, is fundamental to a successful Lions tour. Just ask Graham Henry. 

McCall's adversary in the Premiership Final, Rob Baxter, is also due a mention. A coach who just seems to get it. When I say he gets it, I mean he understands the importance of Players enjoying what they do as a fundamental aspect of creating a successful team. The way in which Exeter have developed their playing style, since they were promoted to the Premiership in 2010, is a credit to Baxter's ability to understand the strengths of his playing group and how to get the most out of them. Baxter, certainly an England coach of the future, may find himself employed by the Lions next summer, but perhaps not in the top job. His comments, subsequent to The Chiefs premiership final defeat were an indication that he remains committed to Exeter. Driven by a belief that they can become a title winning side. Not just domestically but also in Europe. 

Not the obvious choices, but how about a coaching team of Mark McCall (Top Dog), Rob Baxter (Forwards), Gregor Townsend (Backs), Sean Edwards (Defence), and Jonny Wilkinson (kicking & general good guy). The international experience or lack of, shouldn't be a barrier. These are guys that know their rugby, and excel at getting the most out of individual. I'm sure there will be plenty of disagreement, but in the British & Irish year of the Lion, debate is encouraged.