Thursday, July 4, 2013

Has Warren Gatland done a "Henry"?


British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland is copping a kicking; Stuff reports:

Warren Gatland, Kiwi coach of the Lions, has left some extremely upset fans in the wake of his decision to axe Brian O'Driscoll from his side for the final test. 
Gatland dropped revered O'Driscoll, described as "Ireland's national treasure", after an emotional selection meeting, reported the Daily Mail.
It was a tough call for the coach because he had to be ruled by his head, not his heart, he said.
However, not taking into account politics and sentiment, he would put his hand on his heart and say it was "the right rugby decision."
But O'Driscoll fans were not so sure.
Facebook page Justice For BOD, inspired by his "unjust" dropping, collected nearly 120,000 likes in two days, and has been covered in comments knocking Gatland.
"Overwhelming Response for BOD. I think many people are still outraged by the decision and its safe to say its nothing but disrespect on Gatland's behalf," said one post.
"Gatland needs his head checked!!" said one commenter.
Another said he would not even support the team after the decision: "Don't look forward to Gatland's smug grin if they win so can't support it. Not even having BOD on the bench will also make this feel like a welsh victory I'm sorry to say."
Even One Direction member Niall Horan chimed in on the decision.
"Can't be right! Gatland ya mad yoke! Dropping brian o'driscoll. Clearly wants t lose the series," he tweeted
Several memes have also been created in BOD's honour - one with Hitler reacting, and Ron Burgundy bawling in a phone booth.  

History seems to be repeating itself. This is the second time that a New Zealand coach has led the Lions to Australia, won the first test and then stumbled. Graham Henry's team was wracked with internal division in 2001, and Henry copped much of the fans' ire.

If the Lions lose the third test match and the series tomorrow night, Warren Gatland is quickly going to go from Six Nations hero to Lions zero. Such are the vagaries of life for a professional sports coach. Then again the Lions may regroup and win, but the momentum seems to be with Robbie Deans' Wallabies now.

Then again, does this also bode well for Gatland leading the All Blacks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 or 2023? That would constitute doing a double-Henry! 

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