McGeechan eager for players to forge close bonds off the field

LIONS TOUR:LIONS COACH Ian McGeechan believes off-field interaction could be just as important as on-field training as he bids to mastermind a series triumph over world champions South Africa.

McGeechan unveiled his touring party on Tuesday as the countdown to the trip began in earnest, with 14 Irishmen, 13 Wales players, eight England internationals and two Scots making up the 37-man squad.

In the chastening 2005 tour, led by former England coach Clive Woodward, players roomed alone and were swamped by a huge backroom presence.

McGeechan, who was in charge of the midweek team four years ago, appears unwilling to repeat those mistakes and is instead eager for his players to forge close personal bonds.

Indeed, the Scot believes strong friendships could be central to a successful campaign against the Springboks.

“They have to share each other’s company socially. They have to get to know each other because, in the end, if you’ve got a mate next you, you don’t want to let him down,” McGeechan said.

“That only happens when you know the player and you know the man and I think that’s what makes the Lions special.

“I personally went through that and I try hard to get it over to the players I coach. When you go through that, it’s with you forever.

“To know you can go through some pretty tough times when you might wish you were anywhere else in the world than where you are now because of the pressure and come through it . . . they are very special moments.”

McGeechan also believes the uniquely challenging experience of touring South Africa makes the strength of the off-field unit all the more important.

“More than anywhere, the environment is different,” said the Wasps director of rugby. “The rugby culture is so strong and physical, the grounds are different, the fans are different and it’s very, very intense.

“When you go into that for six weeks, you have to live in that environment, train in that environment and play in that environment. When you’ve not had the best of games, you need a strong group of players to come back to. You can’t go home and regroup, you regroup with your fellow players.”

McGeechan said he was pleased by the reception to his squad, but addressed worries over his decision to take only two specialist outhalves in Stephen Jones and Ronan O’Gara.

“We only have five games before the first Test,” McGeechan added. “In a key position like that, I think you need game-time. Even now one of them will probably only get two games to get up to speed and you do rely on them to drive the team and the tactics.

“With three it could have left us a little short and a little cold.

“Also, Riki Flutey is the one that I see as being able to cover that position, particularly during games.”