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.

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

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."

Lions Midweek 3/6/09 - Team Up & Views

Discussion started by Lions 2009 , 02/06/2009 09:09

Lions 2009
02/06/2009 09:09

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Patrick
02/06/2009 14:16

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.

Reply Quote Report

jdusty
02/06/2009 17:43

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

Reply Quote Report

Lightening prop
03/06/2009 14:54

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

Reply Quote Report

Patrick
04/06/2009 00:45

Quote:

Lightening prop
Mears will get eaten alive tonight.

...Or not.

Reply Quote Report

Super Fred
04/06/2009 13:34

Good shout Lighting prop. MUG

Reply Quote Report

kiwitaff
06/06/2009 16:28

Quote:

Front row not test standard Mears will get eaten alive tonight

Will be getting reminded of that forever!!

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net