British & Irish Lions
• What did the South Africans ever do for us?
It’s back to basics for the Lions
After taking charge for the fourth time Ian McGeechan is determined to restore some faith in the squad. He said:
‘The Lions tour is so unique that you have to do things differently to anything you else you do simply because you are preparing for three Test matches in something like four weeks.
‘Sharing rooms is one of the things which has worked very well on Lions tours.
‘It helps break down the barriers and I think it is as important to understand as much about each off the field so they can have a real confidence on the field.
‘Some players like there own quiet corners – other prefer to be social – but I think the most important thing is that everyone understand the characters that make the up squad.
‘I think the Lions are seen by the Springboks and the All Blacks as the biggest rugby team that they will ever play.
‘That’s the added responsibility you take on and it is far more than a national jersey simply by what is attached to it by other countries.
‘Players often don’t know each other well.
‘That is why it is important the players get to know each other and get the chemistry right and I think that will grow in the Lions environment.’