WARREN GATLAND wants his Lions to send shockwaves through New Zealand and wake up All Blacks fans.
Before tomorrow’s opener against the Provincial Barbarians, a poll of rugby-mad islanders revealed 78 per cent could not name a SINGLE one of his stars.
Warren Gatland is cautious about what he says but hopes to give the All Blacks a nasty shock AP:Associated Press But Kiwi Gatland , 53, predicts locals will know a lot more about the talent in his side after their Baa-baas clash at Toll Stadium.
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The Lions head coach said: “We’ve got players who aren’t known here — but they’ve got the X-Factor and hopefully can cause surprises.
“You’ve got to be very careful about what you say over here.
“As a Kiwi, if you’re critical of New Zealand, you get absolutely smashed. So you keep your mouth shut! But we’ve got pace, footwork and ability.
“I honestly feel we’ve got players to match the All Blacks.
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“As coaches, we’ve got to give our own players the confidence to do the same thing.
“I want them to go out and express themselves — starting in this game.
“If we play some good rugby and make people stand up and take notice, it’s going to create even more interest.”
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