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Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
By Lions Eye
June 2 2009
Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views Brian O'Driscoll will captain the British and Irish Lions in their first midweek tour match against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg tomorrow.
Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
 
Golden Lions v Lions    

Coca-Cola Park (Formerly Ellis Park) Johannesburg

Brian O'Driscoll will captain the British and Irish Lions in their first midweek tour match against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg tomorrow.  The Springboks out to maul the Lions have named 10 of the Blue Bulls' Super 14 champion team in their 28-man squad for the Lions series, among them  rookie fly-half Morne Steyn.

The team selected by coach McGeechan looks to have flair, pace, experience and I am sure we all hope the winning style.  Tom Croft who was not on McGeechan's first squad radar choice is now a team choice and will make his Lions debut.  This team on paper looks good and they need to produce a great game to satisfy not just themselves but the fans as well.  

Ian McGeechan knows the Lions need to raise the bar and wants to give everyone a run out in the first three games but said 

"Holding onto the ball is one of the major things we have to improve on this week," said McGeechan.   "There was some good play in the second half last Saturday and we want to build on that. The Golden Lions had a whole Super 14 season together. So it is going to be a big challenge."

 On handing O'Driscoll the captaincy, he said: "It is important to have that kind of experience on tour and he leads by example. It benefits everyone when someone with such strong character is on the field. He also had an exceptional season." 


Brian ODriscoll during a training session at St. Davids School, Sandton,

 Brian ODriscoll during a training session at St. Davids School, Sandton

All pictures by Empics


O'Driscoll delighted about his role and said: "For me it is not about correcting the wrongs of the last tour. It is an opportunity to play in the Lions jersey ... I am looking forward to wearing the jersey and leading the team."


British and Irish Lions: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Brian O'Driscoll (capt), Jamie Roberts, Ugo Monye, Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Tom Croft, Alun-Wyn Jones, Nathan Hines, Phil Vickery, Lee Mears, Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: Ross Ford, Euan Murray, Stephen Ferris, Andy Powell, Harry Ellis, James Hook, Shane Williams.


Golden Lions: Louis Ludik, Michael Killian, Jannie Boshoff, Doppies la Grange, Dusty Noble, Andre Pretorius, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), Willem Stoltz, Brad Mockford, Gert Muller, Willie Wepener, Lawrence Sephaka.
Replacements: Ethienne Reynecke, JC Janse van Rensburg, Ernst Joubert, Todd Clever, Chris Jonck, Walter Venter, Earl Rose.

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Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
Posted by: Lions 2009 (IP Logged)
Date: 02/06/2009 08:09

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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Re: Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
Posted by: Patrick (IP Logged)
Date: 02/06/2009 13:16

It's a shame Flutey's not 100% fit to play, I imagine he would have started. Looked sharp coming off the bench.

Still, much stronger-looking team this time. Excellent looking forward pack in particular and a strong bench.

I'd rather see Ellis (or any other scrum half) start, but I suppose they want that familiarity between 9 and 10 for such an important game.

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Re: Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
Posted by: jdusty (IP Logged)
Date: 02/06/2009 16:43

very surprised to see vickery start and Euan Murray as a replacement, would have thought it makes more sense the other way round.

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Re: Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
Posted by: Lightening prop (IP Logged)
Date: 03/06/2009 13:54

Front row not test standard Mears will get eaten alive tonight. Vickery might be a good impact sub for the test team but over 80 mins there are better choices in the squad.Jenkins definitely in with a shout of starting the tests.The back line though looks very promising especially o Driscoll aNd Roberts

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Re: Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
Posted by: Patrick (IP Logged)
Date: 03/06/2009 23:45

Quote:
Lightening prop
Mears will get eaten alive tonight.

...Or not. (Sm22)

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Re: Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
Posted by: Super Fred (IP Logged)
Date: 04/06/2009 12:34

Good shout Lighting prop. MUG

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Re: Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views
Posted by: kiwitaff (IP Logged)
Date: 06/06/2009 15:28

Quote:
Front row not test standard Mears will get eaten alive tonight

Will be getting reminded of that forever!!

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