Remembering the Lions tour of 1971: the great awakening of British rugby | Paul Rees

The British and Irish amalgam were a mess until 1971 but then the philosopher coach, Carwyn James, led them to an improbable series win over New ZealandIt was the year, said the New Zealand captain, Colin Meads, when the Lions stopped believing in fairytales. He was speaking after the drawn final fourth Test at the end of a series his side had lost 2-1 and his words resonated with his opposite number, Willie John McBride, who had had to be persuaded to put his name up for selection after three trips, nine Tests and no victories. “On previous tours we hoped we would win,” said the Irishman. “Th…