He knows what he’s talking about.
- Played on a successful Lion’s tour? Check
- Played on a team that beat the All Blacks? Check
- Played under the current Lions coach? Check
Geoff Parling was on that famous English side that hammered New Zealand 38-21 at Twickenham in 2012. He also played in all three test matches for the Lions under Warren Gatland in their historic series win against Australia in 2013 (a highlight of his was this incredible tap-tackle on Jesse Mogg).
If there is one man that knows what needs to be done for the Lions to secure a series win against the All Blacks next summer, it is the Exeter Chiefs star.
Home-Nation’s Form
The 33-year-old lock, and Canterbury ambassador, spoke to SportsJOE this week and he told us why Ireland’s recent success against the All Blacks could be crucial for the Lions next summer.
“Ireland have really upped their game haven’t they?” Parling told us.
“That was a really important win for them in Chicago. What that has done for the Irish players in the Lions, it gives them confidence to say ‘You know we’ve beaten these guys’ and it might also create a few doubts in the minds of the New Zealand players.”
After a disastrous 2015 for the northern hemisphere teams, where no side reached the semi-final stage of the world-cup, there has been a resurgence of sorts so far this year.
The scoreboard between the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship sides sees the northern hemisphere nations 9-6 ahead in terms of wins.
Parling believes the form shown by the home nations this year, particularly England, can only benefit the Lions’ chances next summer.
“Well I certainly think the form of England in the last year or so (can benefit the Lions)…..I certainly think the home nations are in a fairly good place.”
Belief
When we quizzed Parling on that famous English victory over the All Blacks, he told us that belief is the single most important attribute needed to overcome the world champions.
“The main thing for me is that it’s gotta be belief, belief that you’re going to win.”
Parling also revealed that it is often the case that teams are beaten even before they take to the field because they genuinely believe that they are not going to win.
“They might say there going to win but maybe they don’t believe it.”
He also added that Ireland’s victory over New Zealand in Chicago can inspire belief in the rest of the Lions squad when they face then next summer.
“Like that win in Chicago maybe the next time they (the Irish players) play them they believe they are going to win, and yeah that (belief) is definitely the main thing.”
There is a lot of rugby to be played between now and the Lions first test match against the All Blacks on the June 24 but with the form shown by home nations so far this year, we definitely have reasons to be optimistic.
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