Sir Clive Woodward gives forthright verdict on Andy Farrell’s chances of coaching British and Irish Lions in 2029

Sir Clive Woodward has given his backing to Andy Farrell to be British and Irish Lions head coach on their next tour, to New Zealand in four years time.

Under Farrell’s guidance, the Lions are currently unbeaten on their tour of Australia and could clinch a rare 3-0 Test series whitewash for the famous touring team if they beat the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday.

And Woodward highlighted the significance of that achievement as the Lions have not won a series 3-0 since 1904 (against Australia) and they have not won all their matches on tour since 1927 (against Argentina).

‘A whitewash is a real possibility’

“History beckons for the Lions and Andy Farrell as coach. Some may think the last Test with Australia is a dead rubber given the Lions are 2-0 up. Not a bit of it. A whitewash is a real possibility and history shows what an achievement that would be,” he wrote in his Daily Mail column.

“It would be the first clean sweep in the professional era, the first time since 1927. It would also be the first unbeaten tour since 1974 (Willie John McBride’s famous ‘Invincibles’ drew the final Test in South Africa).

“These are remarkable statistics. I’m sure they will be driving Maro Itoje as captain, the squad and Farrell. They can seal their place in Lions history. But it is very difficult — nigh-on impossible, in fact — to compare Lions tours.

“The level of opposition Australia have provided hasn’t been the same as in other series in the past. But the Lions can’t do much about that. And the way they fought back from 18 points down to win in Melbourne was hugely impressive. That comeback will be remembered for a long time.”

Woodward was the Lions head coach when they toured New Zealand in 2005 but things did not go according to plan as the tourists suffered a 3-0 series defeat against the All Blacks.

Warren Gatland was in charge when the Lions last toured the Land of the Long White Cloud in 2017 and they were more competitive with the New Zealander in charge as that series ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ian McGeechan recalls ‘incredible RFU request’ that showed ‘amateurish thinking’ surrounding his series-winning 1997 Lions

Woodward believes Englishman Farrell has enhanced his reputation as one of the global game’s leading coaches with what he has achieved on this year’s Lions tour.

‘His reputation has gone to another level this summer’

“We knew Farrell was a brilliant coach but his reputation has gone to another level this summer,” he wrote. “If the Lions win 3-0, it will go up again.

“Farrell has to be the leading contender to be Lions coach in New Zealand in 2029. I don’t see any reason why not as he has a contract with Ireland until the 2027 World Cup so will remain involved in Northern Hemisphere rugby.”

Woodward praised Farrell for sticking with the bulk of his players which did the business for the Lions during the first two Tests and is backing the tourists to complete the clean sweep.

“I love that Farrell hasn’t made massive changes for the third Test. It shows he means business and is taking this game as seriously as the first two matches, if not more so,” he added.

“The Lions is the pinnacle. It is no place for handing out easy Test caps. It would have devalued the Lions concept. But that is not what Farrell is about.

“Farrell has stuck to his guns, making only two changes with James Ryan and Blair Kinghorn coming in. His selection has been consistent all series, changes mainly due to injury.

“The Lions won’t lack for motivation on Saturday. Conversely, I wonder if the same can be said of Australia. They put in such a huge effort in the second Test and still lost. My experience tells me it is very difficult to respond to that.

“The third Test will be competitive. But I expect the Lions to pull clear in the final quarter and go three from three. That would start one hell of a party and one which would be entirely deserved.”

READ MORE: Andy Farrell tipped for Ashes role after Lions success as England boss lauds ‘obsessed’ winner