In a recent assessment of the British and Irish Lions’ performance, former England wing Chris Ashton suggested that the team should simplify their game plan. He emphasized the necessity for the Lions to “strip things back” in order to enhance their display during the ongoing tour of Australia. This call for a more straightforward approach stems from their recent match against New South Wales Waratahs, where they barely secured a 21-10 victory, yet managed to rack up nine unforced errors during the game. Ashton’s critique indicates a pressing need for the Lions to reassess their strategy, particularly under the guidance of head coach Andy Farrell.
Andy’s coaching philosophy has been heavily influenced by an intricate system of pre-rehearsed movements that proved effective during his tenure with Ireland. However, the integration of such complexity into the Lions’ style of play appears to be faltering. Ashton pointed out that if the Lions had opted for a more simplified strategy against the Waratahs, it could have allowed players to showcase their individual talents better rather than getting bogged down by the weight of excessive tactical intricacies. The former wing’s views bring forward a crucial question: why not implement a more straightforward approach in light of the changes and the necessity for players to connect with one another more cohesively?
Farrell’s squad notably included a significant contingent of Irish players—15 in total—many of whom were accustomed to playing under his previously established game plan. Yet, the struggles with execution persist. Even for those familiar with Farrell’s system, the new dynamics brought forth by the inclusion of players from different nations have made it challenging for them to adapt effectively.
Ashton reflected on the leadership of Warren Gatland, who led the last successful Lions tour in 2013. Gatland’s approach involved a stronger Welsh presence, thereby enabling a game plan that relied on mutual trust and understanding, which was apparent in the success of that series. In light of this historical context, Ashton voiced curiosity about how Farrell would organize the team for their impending match against the Brumbies—a fixture regarded as one of their toughest tests outside of their encounters with the Wallabies.
On the player selection front, speculation continues regarding the strategic pairings in the midfield. For instance, while Farrell has yet to pair experienced Irish players Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose together, Ashton believes doing so would be more beneficial given their established dynamic. Aki’s recent form and the potential for that 12-13 axis to share understanding of their respective running lines could prove invaluable, particularly against more stubborn defenses.
Furthermore, Ashton hailed the performance of Tommy Freeman, who emerged as a standout player during their Australian tour. Freeman’s ability to impact games has captured attention, as he continues to present an aggressive offensive presence, which subsequently raises the question of whether he should be included in the starting lineup for the first Test. His performances symbolize an overall potential to elevate the Lions’ play to a more competitive level.
The selection at full-back remains another critical point of intrigue. Hugo Keenan made his debut in the recent match but struggled to make a significant impact. Comparatively, Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn also had limited opportunities in attack during his debut, leading to a sense of uncertainty surrounding the best configuration for that crucial position. Ashton remarked on the challenges Kinghorn may face transitioning back into a full-back role, especially factoring in recent game dynamics and the need for an adaptable mindset.
As the Lions gear up for their future matches, the focus remains squarely on the imperative for simplicity and cohesion on the field. As Chris Ashton emphasizes, moving away from overly complicated plays could greatly benefit the team, allowing their natural talent to shine through while cultivating a better synergy among the players ahead of the first Test match. The upcoming fixture against the Brumbies may ultimately be a litmus test for this approach, potentially setting the tone for the rest of the tour.
