Gatland hits back at ‘Warrenball’ critics

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has hit back at criticism of his tactics and the style of rugby he gets his teams to play.

Gatland’s tactics have been dubbed ‘Warrenball’ by critics, who believe his system is simplistic and old-fashioned.

This has raised the ire of Gatland, who maintains that his side will play ‘positive rugby’. Meanwhile, he has taken a swipe at his critics whom he believes may be jealous of his success.

Speaking before the meeting with Blues in Auckland on Wednesday, Gatland told the BBC: “The message to the players is we want to play positive rugby.

“A few years ago [former London Irish and England coach] Brian Smith coined the phrase ‘Warrenball’.

“I don’t know whether that was because he was jealous of how much success we had.

“Four years ago people decided to be critical, and a lot of people got caught with their pants down afterwards

“When did it start? Was it when we were successful at Wasps, or when I was coaching at Waikato and won the Air New Zealand Cup?

“We had a group of players that came through Wales that ended up being pretty big and physical players.

“The modern game of rugby is about getting across the gainline, trying to get front-foot ball, and playing to space if that’s possible.”

Four years ago, Gatland was criticised before the third and final Test against Australia for his team selection and tactics, but was vindicated as the Lions convincingly beat the Wallabies 41-16 to clinch the series.

“Four years ago people decided to be critical, and a lot of people got caught with their pants down afterwards,” Gatland continued.

“We know we didn’t play so well on Saturday, and it gives us an opportunity to go out against the Blues and try to be positive.”

The Lions were disappointing in their narrow win over the Provincial Barbarians last weekend, and now face a decisive week against high-class Super Rugby opposition.

The first Test against the All Blacks is on June 24, also at Eden Park in Auckland.

“To match the All Blacks we have to display a bit of x-factor, and the players are being encouraged to do that, because that’s what we will need to do to beat them,” added Gatland.

“We don’t want to be prescribed and we don’t want to play by numbers. These players are being encouraged to demonstrate their level of skill.

“Hopefully we can show that on Wednesday, and the players can show what they are being encouraged by the coaches to do.”