Lions squad member Austin Healey is expecting to suffer a heavy fine after his pre-Test newspaper column was blasted by Lions coach Graham Henry. The England international branded the Wallabies debutant lock Justin Harrison a "plod" and a "plank" just 24 hours before the Lions were defeated 29-23 in the third and final Test in Sydney. Graham was outraged by Healey's comments, believing they gave the Australians further incentive to beat the Lions in the decisive game.
"I feel a fine coming on," wrote Healey in Monday's Guardian newspaper. However, he did not seem too remorseful for his comments, explaining that it was what was expected of him and that he was just being ironic. "It was a bit cheeky, I'll admit. But what do you want? The Aussies whacked back my comments on their males, their country and my mate Justin and here I am. In the bunker, the doghouse, bad books, all in one go in this country that may have uranium and opals but hasn't found the irony mine yet. I suppose I could say I was doing my bit for the cause. Up yours, I said. Now we've lost it's bound to be used as the reason. Austin's column cost us the tour. Up mine, I suppose," he wrote.
Healey also took once last swipe at the Tour and management team that has come in for much criticism from the squad members in their newspaper columns over the past six weeks. "The bad bits? Losing the series. I could start on the Aussies here. But now is probably not the best time. In fact, I could probably start on our approach to the Tests. But that might make the fine worse. I just feel that we went for a rigid approach. Set piece followed by drives. That's what the homework showed would work, apparently," Healey added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
