Woodward firmly back in business

SIR Clive Woodward, the British and Irish Lions head coach, was in jubilant mood in Dunedin yesterday after watching his side win 30- 19 against Otago, traditionally one of the strongest of New Zealand's provincial sides.

The World Cup winner also hinted strongly he is to take up new duties as director of football at Championship challengers Southampton on August 1.

"Once this tour is over, I'm stepping away from rugby for a short time. I'm taking a break. I'm taking the opportunity to work in another sport, " he said.

Captained by Scotland hooker Gordon Bulloch, his present charges out-scored their hosts three tries to one, with one of the touchdowns provided by Ryan Jones. The Welsh No 8's man-of-thematch- winning display may have earned him a place in the side to take on the All Blacks in Christchurch next weekend.

Jones' performance was all the more remarkable as he had only joined the tour party a few days earlier, having been drafted in as a replacement for injured Scotland forward Simon Taylor, and had barely had the opportunity to adjust to the time difference or learn about the Lions' tactics.

Despite those handicaps, his form was hailed by Woodward: "I've told Ryan he had a fantastic game, " said the coach. "He looked immense out there." Bulloch, though, admitted that the match had been a hard examination for the Lions: "It was a tough game, " said the Scot. "There was not a lot of time to settle on the ball. It was a great win, though, as it's a hard place to come and play." For many in the Lions party there was an overwhelming sense of relief at the end of an eight-day period in which they had lost to the New Zealand Maori team and had failed to impress in the midweek win against Wellington. According to Woodward, yesterday's result restored momentum, and he promised that the first Test against the All Blacks would be far more competitive.

"I've got a feeling something good is happening, " he said.

"All the concerns have been eradicated. I've just got a warm feeling and confidence about where we are now. Next week is going to be a real humdinger." Shane Williams and Will Greenwood collected the Lions' other tries, although they had looked nervous early on and the two sides were level, 13-13, at half time. On a Carisbrook ground dubbed the House of Pain, the Lions relied on a lucky bounce for the key Greenwood try.

Otago coach Wayne Graham was less impressed, adding: "For an international side, their ship took a bit of steering. I'm sure the All Blacks will put on more pressure."

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