Forty years ago, the British Lions achieved rugby’s greatest triumph... their one and only win in New Zealand. The Western Mail's Simon Roberts catches up with their captain John Dawes.
"The Welsh influence on that team was enormous. John Dawes was the captain, Carwyn James the coach, Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Gerald Davies, JPR Williams, John Bevan, Mervyn Davies, Derek Quinnell and John Taylor pivotal players on the field.
"They had just helped Wales win the Grand Slam and took their scintillating form with them to New Zealand. England, Ireland and Scotland contributed David Duckham, John Pullin and Peter Dixon, Mike Gibson, Willie John McBride, Fergus Slattery, Ian McLauchlan and Gordon Brown to the cause. Each and every one of them would become Hall of Fame players in their own right.
“Doug Smith, our team manager, had said before the tour that we would win the Tests 2-1, with one Test drawn,” said Dawes. “That was a bit frightening to hear, but we were more embarrassed by Doug’s remarks because the Lions had never won in New Zealand and we were aware of the enormity of the task ahead of us. I would say we were confident but not expectant.”
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