Across The Gain Line . . . with Colm Kinsella

British and Irish Lions hero Keith Wood believes the itinerary, structure and running of future tours will have to change or he fears that the attraction of the concept will cease.
Former Garryowen, Munster and Ireland hooker Wood feel that the Lions are not out of date, but they are out of balance.
Keith Wood, who played a significant role in the Lions Test series win in South Africa 12 years ago, says the Corinthian spirit of the British & Irish Lions tours needs to be a two-way street.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph this week, Wood said the Lions should not be playing in half-full stadiums because of too high ticket prices and a ‘daft selection policy, as shown by South Africa holding back their Test players.’
Wood continued: “My view is that the structure has to change.
“Make it a seven-match tour, all Saturdays, four big warm-up games followed by the three Tests.
“The midweek matches are out of kilter with the level of contact in today’s game, and three-day turnarounds for players are unacceptable.
“Cut the squad numbers, so that the Test team is known as early as the third match and flaws are ironed out before the internationals.
“It many ways it goes against my view of what the Lions is about, but I feel we need a change and we need control of our own destiny.
“No one could deny the pride that the Lions showed at the weekend.
“It is very rare to hear anyone who has played in a Lions Test to criticise the players.
“The reason is not some misplaced level of support, it is a recognition of how difficult the journey is.
“The difficulty is what makes it so irresistible and ought to guarantee the Lions survival.
“We just need it to be on a somewhat more even playing field.”

Munster step up their efforts
MUNSTER have stepped up their efforts to sign a prop forward as the countdown to the new season begins in earnest.
The province recently got the green light from the IRFU to bolster their front row options.
Munster have been on the look-out for a new prop with three of their front line front row players, Marcus Horan, John Hayes and Tony Buckley, all involved with the Irish squad.
The fact that 24-year-old prop Timmy Ryan has opted to move to France to play his club rugby with Toulon has also increased Munster’s need to recruit in this area.
While Munster’s search for a new prop forward is at an early stage, it is believed the province will focus on trying to recruit a player from the Northern Hemisphere who holds an EU passport.
The province are also said to be expecting developments in relation to their hopes of securing the services of South Africa centre Jean de Villiers once the final Test match with the British and Irish Lions ends in Johannesburg this Saturday.
It is understood that De Villiers is yet to sign any contract with the two-time Heineken Cup champions.

The Rugby Show Live
THE launch of a new concept The Rugby Show Live, due to be staged at the RDS on September 12 and 13, took place earlier this week.
Ireland’s first consumer rugby show, The Rugby Show Live, will enable the public to gain access to many Irish rugby professionals, learn more about the game with specialised clinics; experience what happens on and off the pitch and much, much more.
It is for every member of the family and it’s something for all sports fans to mark in their diary.
It is the first time for such a show to arrive in Ireland and is endorsed by a number of well known Rugby pundits and proudly sponsored by Chorus ntl.