Lions secrets aired in fly-on-the-wall documentary
August 13, 2001

Lions coach Graham Henry and hooker Keith Wood disagreeing over lineout tactics at half-time in the 3rd and deciding Test is one of the highlights of a fly on the wall radio documentary to be broadcast tonight.

The BBC Radio 4 programme, entitled Injured Pride, will provide a fascinating insight into the trials and tribulations of this summer's Lions tour of Australia with exclusive input from players and management.

Audio diaries from scrum halves Rob Howley and Matt Dawson provide commentary to a turbulent tour on and off the pitch, especially the relationship of coach Graham Henry with his charges.

Henry's words for his side in the dressing room after the defeat in Sydney are met with a muted response that comes in stark contrast to the acknowledging applause that tour manager Donal Lenihan receives.

"I know it hasn't been the easiest tour of all time but that's what it's like when you tour a country like this," Lenihan is heard to tell the players. "I'd just like to sincerely thank everyone. Johnno, the management, everyone."

The Irishman's voice then breaks and the tears follow as he says, "you couldn't have done any more boys."

Also in the dressing room after the crushing 29-23 defeat, Henry praises the character of his players. "You didn't win it but you gave it your best shot," he said. "You can't ask any more than that."

No reaction from the players followed his consoling words.

Matt Dawson also provides an insight into the amazing few days that saw him go from villain to hero. Dawson came close to being thrown off the tour after speaking out controversially in a daily newspaper but received a reprieve as he tell the programme.

Back in the changing room at Sydney we are left to hear Henry make one more last ditch effort to rally his troops saying, "Our whole character is at stake this half," he said. "The British Lions' character is at stake, whether you've got the guts or not. The Australians don't think you have. Have you got the character?"

The programme airs on BBC Radio 4 at 20.00 (BST) on Monday August 13.

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