Rugby
Lions put faith in 'beasts'
2009-04-23 07:09
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Lions forward coach Graham Rowntree (Gallo Images)
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London - The British and Irish Lions aim to make sure they at least match the power threat of world champions South Africa after selecting a group of forwards branded "beasts" by scrum coach Graham Rowntree.
It was noticeable how several members of the backroom staff, from head coach Ian McGeechan down, appeared to define Tuesday's squad announcement in terms of trying to nullify the assets of the Springboks, rather than talking up the qualities of the players chosen just in themselves.
South Africa, historically one of rugby union's most successful nations, have long been renowned for their imposing forwards.
Indeed it was a desire not to be physically dominated that saw the Lions, under the captaincy of legendary Ireland lock Willie John McBride, develop the infamous "99" call in South Africa in 1974 - the first time they won a series against the Springboks.
Whenever the call of "99" was raised all Lions players were expected to attack their nearest opponent on the grounds the referee would not be able to send off the entire team.
McGeechan, a centre on that unbeaten tour, made sure he had a similarly commanding figure as a captain in Martin Johnson when, in 1997, he coached the Lions to a 2-1 Test series victory over the Springboks.
In opting for Ireland lock Paul O'Connell as his captain this time around, McGeechan is obviously hoping the tactic holds good for a third tour.
"We have picked beasts for this tour," said Rowntree of a squad featuring O'Connell, England veteran Simon Shaw and Ireland No 8 Jamie Heaslip.
"South Africa have the biggest pack on the planet and our selection reflects that," said Rowntree.
On both the 1974 and 1997 tours, the Lions had the backs to take advantage of their forward power with Wales halfbacks Gareth Edwards and Phil Bennett calling the shots on the former and the likes of England duo Matt Dawson and Jeremy Guscott a major influence on the latter.
Doubts remain about just how much guile the Lions have behind the scrum but they certainly have pace.
Wales' Leigh Halfpenny and England's Ugo Monye, two players who only made their Test debuts in November, could find themselves as the Lions' first-choice wings if Shane Williams is unable to recapture the form that made him the reigning world player of the year.
Halfpenny and Monye are both quick while the 20-year-old Welshman also has the advantage of being an accomplished long-distance goalkicker.
And Halfpenny, the youngest member of a squad that will be managed by his compatriot Gerald Davies, one of the best wings rugby union has known, cannot wait for another crack at the Springboks.
"I leapt in the air when I saw my name on the television, I nearly hit my head on the light," said Halfpenny.
"Then I burst into tears with my friends and family, it was just a massive occasion.
"We're going there to win a Test series and I can't wait to get started.
"On my first cap for Wales in November I lost to South Africa, hopefully I'll get a chance for revenge."
Meanwhile, the religious Monye, who has so far played all of his Test rugby at Twickenham, just round the corner from club side Harlequins' home ground, greeted his selection by telling the London Evening Standard: "How ironic that a Christian will be playing for the Lions rather than being eaten by one!"
The Lions' 10-match tour starts on May 30 in Rustenburg with the first of their three Tests against South Africa in Durban on June 20.