"We have a small security team and they are responsible for making sure we get around safely and on schedule. Most modern professional sports teams have this support." As for the police presence at the Takapuna club, he added: "Policing decisions are entirely a matter for the local force, but it's good to see them there."While the Lions are not exactly awash with information regarding their first opponents, they at least know who will feature in Bay of Plenty's starting line-up. Vern Cotter has picked a former All Black in Adrian Cashmore at full-back, plus three of New Zealand's most talked-about young forwards in the lock Bernie Upton, open-side flanker Nili Latu and the No 8 Colin Bourke. I passionately believe every player here will learn from what happens on this trip."Woodward also insisted that he and his back-room colleagues were justified in their gung-ho approach to security that has bewildered and annoyed certain sections of the New Zealand public "It's common sense isn't it?" he said. Against teams of World Cup finals quality, Carrick's inclusion is a real possibility.Besides, as Eriksson knows, there will be injuries before then. "If we don't have any injuries it's difficult to beat us, but you never know what will happen," he said.
"But we will be going into the World Cup with more players who I know I can put into the team and they will do a good job It's the strongest squad I've had. Of course, we have to qualify first, but I feel the situation is different to even two years ago as we were heading towards Euro 2004."Now the players have experience. If you want to win a big tournament like the World Cup you can't expect to do it with a team with an average age of 24. You have to have that experience, so you know how to be clever on the pitch when you need to be clever I can see that in these players now Just guarantee me no injuries. If you can guarantee me that, I know we will have a great chance next summer."Injuries are inevitable but, as Eriksson said, he now has cover in most positions. Goalkeeping is a concern but there is no shortage of centre-halves, midfielders or strikers.The emergence of Peter Crouch and Shaun Wright-Phillips gives England useful options, while the Champions' League performances of Gerrard, Lampard, Jamie Carragher and John Terry are very encouraging. There are even alternatives in the troublesome left flank position, with Stewart Downing and Kieran Richardson coming through.At present, however, it looks as if Joe Cole will be on the left, after finally learning to apply his talent sensibly and consistently.
Even if a player doesn't get on the field, he experiences the intensity of rugby in this country and goes home better for the experience. "It's a change of mindset, but some people don't like the word change. A Lions visit to New Zealand is the last of the great tours rugby has to offer, and we should do everything to maximise the benefits for all four home countries. (Of the exceptions, Jason Robinson has confirmed he will fly out next Tuesday.
