LIONS COACH Ian McGeechan had initial discussions about the selection for the first Test against the Springboks on the flight back to Durban, before finally sitting down for a more formal process this morning, writes John O’Sullivan.
“There are a number of areas where they will be close calls and we will have to decide on the combinations that will be best in a Test match,” he said.
It seems that there are few issues to debate in terms of the starting line-up outside of who will play outhalf, partner Paul O’Connell in the secondrow and wear the number seven jersey. Yesterday’s match will have reinforced the notion that the Lions are going to have to be incredibly physical.
Stephen Jones’ greater physicality will be weighed against Ronan O’Gara’s big-match temperament. If the players are judged by their last performance, then the Munster man could squeak in. There is no doubting Alun Wyn-Jones’ athleticism, but O’Callaghan and Nathan Hines’ physicality and ability to do the grunt work will advance their candidacy.
McGeechan will offer an inkling into the game he hopes to play by deciding between David Wallace and Martyn Williams. The Irishman’s greater physicality at the breakdown might just give him a tiny edge. The team will be announced tomorrow.
