Lenihan defends Lions' discipline
Monday, 18 June 2001 16:04Donal Lenihan tonight fiercely defended the Lions' discipline ahead of a potential powder-keg clash against Australia A in Gosford. Eddie Jones, the Wallabies' second-string coach, has stood by his controversial comments condemning alleged foul play during last Saturday's encounter between the Lions and Queensland Reds.
In an official Australian Rugby Union news release, Jones said: "There were a number of incidents off the ball against Queensland that were disappointing. Hopefully, the officials will keep a strict eye on this and take the appropriate action."
But Lions manager Lenihan has launched a stinging counter-attack as the tourists target a fourth successive victory tomorrow in what coach Graham Henry believes will be their toughest examination outside the three-Test series.
"We have watched the video of last Saturday's game, and how we can be accused of causing problems on the field is beyond me. We weren't the aggressors in any way," Lenihan said. "Talk to any player in this squad, and at no stage in the 21 days that we've been together have we ever mentioned taking out the Australians or creating any difficulties at the start of a game."
"There is a neutral referee in charge tomorrow night. Whether the comments are being used to try and influence the referee, I don't know," he added. "Our approach to this match will be exactly the same as it was for the previous three games. We are aware of what has been said, and if anything, it has made us even more determined to produce a disciplined performance."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
