British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has revealed that his squad have put their Wales counterparts “to the sword” as part of their preparations for their upcoming Australian tour.
And he’s sent a warning to the Wallabies, saying his side is fit, strong and looking sharp.
Gatland was delighted to see the Lions demolish Wales, who are touring Japan next month, during a practice run in the Welsh city of Glamorgan last week.
“I was really impressed with last week, not just over how well everyone gelled but from a technical aspect as well,” the coach said.
“Having been involved with the Lions four years ago, there has been a significant improvement in the players technically.
“We’re fit, we’re big, we’re strong and have some real pace.
“We did some training against the Welsh team on Friday, the forwards did some line-outs and mauling against them.
“Our backs ran against them and looked really, really sharp and put the Welsh team to the sword.
“They put them under a lot of pressure and came away from that feeling really, really positive.”
Gatland, who has taken a break from his role as Wales’ head coach while he oversees the Lions, revealed that players from England, Ireland and Scotland were given an eye opener when they convened for training last week.
“Last week we trained with a level of intensity that some of the players from other countries hadn’t experienced before,” he said.
“Some of the Welsh boys hadn’t experienced that for a few months as well. It reminded people of what the expectations are.”
Gatland expects Irish duo Brian O’Driscoll and Sean O’Brien to be on board Monday’s flight to Hong Kong, where the tour opens against the Barbarians on June 1.
The Lions’ three-Test series against the Wallabies begins at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on June 22.