EnglishWhen Lions Roared: The Lions, the All Blacks and the Legendary Tour of 1971

An excellent story of the 1971 Lions tour to the Antipodes. I enjoyed reading the players accounts of the matches, but also their look back to training sessions, discussions between various players and tour management, what the players thought of their own team mates and those of New Zealand and its provincial sides, and in particular the positive outlook of just about every player toward their coach, the late Carwyn James; all but one mentioned that he was a great coach and motivator, and that whatever his players might have thought or guessed about his personal life, it didn't matter to them at that time in history. A very informative read, and it took me just a few days to read all of it, as I had a very difficult time in putting it down for any length of time. It really brings back the days of amateur rugby union when there were long tours that went on for several months, with players having to take time off from work, school, or other responsibilities, mostly at their own personal financial cost. Unfortunately those days are long gone now.

Well written account of this famous tour. Really brings to life the brutality of rugby before the professional era and today’s sterile game which is TMO’d to death. With much input from the players from both sides, it was an eye opener to learn that this tour was as much about brilliant, dirty and brutal rugby as the ‘74 Lions tour to SA was. Enthralling - a must read for any true rugby enthusiast. There is just no other game like rugby - and this book takes you to the front row of the battle!

I had only been told of how great this team was as the tour was before i was born but i know most of the names and what a fantastic insight this was into the Great team that 4 years later majority would tour South Africa unbeaten.This team played beautiful 15 man game that was adapted bt New Zealand teams after.Brilliant book.

I was to young to remember the 1971 Lions exploits but remember watching them get beaten by the Baa Baas. Being Welsh, and growing up in the 70's, rugby was a huge part of my life.These were giants of the game, heroes regardless of nationality but the Welsh contingent most of all. New Zealand were, and are, the high standard to live up to and the one to beat.This book combines news stories and authors' comments but it is the words of those who fraught the battles, or guided the troops, that make this such a wonderful book.Even if you don't like rugby, read it! It will stir your soul.

This was the first Lions tour that I was made aware of - listening to the broadcasts on the radio in the middle of the night. Having met numerous Lions from the tour over the years, this book provides the perfect backdrop to rugby at that time with some great analysis - worthy of the great Terry McLean! Also provides insight into some of the grittier problems of keeping everyone happy on a tour of such length. The book sets the scene beautifully and the realisation of winning the series is just as great as it was remarkable!

This is a book that takes you back to 1971, and the memorable tour of New Zealand. That elite group returned as the only Lions before or since to win a test series there. As well as some shrewd analysis, the book contains personal reminiscences by members of the party and by the coach, the late Carwyn James. As well as the expected insights into playing styles and tactics, the reminiscences are often humorous, touching too, and you end up feeling as if you were there with them, sharing in their huge achievement

cracking book, well written

Great read