Ian Henderson criticized the tactics used by the British and the Irish Lions in the series defeat against South Africa, and claimed that Warren Gottland was chosen out of popularity instead of form.

The Lions took a 1-0 lead.

It was only with the forced arrival of Finn Russell 10 minutes after the start of the decisive match that South Africa were tested, leaving the decisive match at 19-16, but he offered a glimpse of what might be.

Henderson, the captain of Ireland, was a lion in 2017 and 2021, but failed to land a Test cap under Gotland.

Henderson, who captained Ireland to six nations in the absence of Johnny Sexton, was the first member of Gotland’s tour to publicly denounce the lack of imagination they played against their provincial opponents, but made the Springbox game.

“You can play South Africa’s game plan against sharks or the like, and every time you get 50-50 more points, the slaps turn into a 50 yard effort, and suddenly people work well, and they are
Today Fluid is playing rugby, ”Henderson said “Ulster Rugby Show” BBC Sport NI.

“Before you know it you are trying to beat South Africa in their own game. South Africa made a game of their own and won a World Cup. They are amazing.

“I don’t think a team can try to face a team where they fall into incredibly good guys.”

Henderson also criticized Gotland’s tactics with the Lions, saying he had tried to play South Africa in his own game.

This was Henderson’s second Lions tour, but despite his excellent form in six nations and predictions that he would take part in the series, he was overlooked by five rivals, Courtney Los.

Los was unusual, but missed three months last season with a chest injury and made a comeback in the later stages of the Gallagher Premiership.

When asked if Gotland was a “man with his boys”, Henderson said, “I agree with that statement.

“The proof of that would be Courtney Los, for example. He didn’t play much rugby, got injured, lost a lot of rugby, was probably a little surprised and started all three Tests.

“Don’t get me wrong, Courtney is a class player, he deserves to play, but it will make you believe. [Gatland] She is not looking for who is in good standing at the moment, as Courtney had previously bankrolled her form.

“He told me I trained well and played well and unfortunately it didn’t work the way I wanted it to,” he said.

I will not be in a position to annoy the coaches. In my opinion, I run my business and do what I can on the training ground.

“I think a lot of staff and team feel alike, but at the end of the day it was the best dog decision, and I was not there.”