Gregan rates England above the Lions
October 19, 2001

Wallaby skipper George Gregan believes England will provide a stiffer test for his team than the 2001 British & Irish Lions did this summer.

Gregan, 28, who took over the Australia captaincy from John Eales after this year's Tri Nations told the Sydney Daily Telegraph: "No disrespect to the Lions, but I think England will be somewhat more dangerous. England have been together for a number of years, but the Lions came together over a short period and then had to develop a style of play everyone felt comfortable with.

"England have the ability to adjust their play according to the team they are up against. That is a sign of a professional and well-coached unit. England can play both an expansive and a very tight game with a dynamic and powerful driving maul.

"At Twickenham, England are a different proposition no matter how much preparation you have had beforehand. They just rise to the occasion. There is nothing like playing at home with the large majority of the crowd supporting you."

He added: "I was really happy with the team's focus at the training camp in Coffs Harbour and their ability to deal with what was a big issue in everyone's lives.

"A large core of this team, barring injuries, will go through to the World Cup in 2003. So this is a good chance for us to gel as a unit and put into place what will hopefully be a good quality team pattern for the up-coming seasons."

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