Lions Begin to Hunt in Packs

Jack Travers

1997. The Lions, against the odds, recorded their first Test series win in South Africa since the 1974 ‘Invincibles’. That ’97 tour has many parallels to the current one. Both visiting sides were massive underdogs playing against the world champions. Both tours had the legendary Ian McGeechan as coach and both tours have utilised the size and physical example of a lock as their skipper. However, there are many more subtle similarities that give the 2009 vintage a fair chance of emulating their predecessors or at least standing toe to toe with their formidable foe.
The first of these lies in the team morale that McGeechan sees as so important to any Lions touring party. As anyone who has watched ‘Living with Lions’ can testify (anybody who hasn’t seen this classic behind the scenes documentary should move quickly to adjust this as it highlights everything that is great about rugby and shows Jason Leonard’s unforgettable team talks!), team spirit is as instrumental a factor in a winning Lions tour as anything. It is a difficult thing to come by as the players come from four different nations and as a result often don’t know each other well. But if a certain camaraderie is cultivated, the Lions are capable of creating a formula where each player will do anything on and off the pitch for their new pals. More often than not, this results in victory on the rugby field. The personnel of the two touring parties have both a number of similarities and disparities that could help the current batch of Lions become as or even more successful than the 1997 squad. The first position that springs to mind as having been a thorn in the South African side 12 years ago, and that has the potential to have the same impact this time around is inside-centre. Jamie Roberts is arguably the player of the tour thus far. His performances have echoed what Scott Gibbs did so effectively the last time the Lions were in South Africa. The direct running lines that Roberts has used so emphatically and his ability to draw defenders, allows colleagues such as Brian O’Driscoll to take advantage of the gaps created. This partnership will be crucial if the Lions are to match the World Champions. If it works as well as it has in the two games where it has been exhibited so far, against the Golden Lions and Natal Sharks, then these two players at opposite ends of their careers will take some stopping.

The issue of full-back was a contentious one in 1997 when it was decided that Neil Jenkins would play despite being dodgy at best under the high ball. This decision was vindicated by Jenkins’ metronomic goal-kicking. However, this is one position where the Lions are spoilt for choice at the moment. Lee Byrne looks likely to take the starting jersey but Rob Kearney is as adequate a replacement as any on the tour. Both players’ confidence under the high ball will be crucial, especially in the latter test matches where the Springboks will be sure to test their nerve with hanging balls on the high altitude of the highveld.

Many believe that the series will be decided at the breakdown as it was in 1997. With such a physical pack, the Boks look hard to beat in this area but the Lions are progressing with every match in this battleground. With Shalke Burger set to miss the opener through injury, the tourists have been given a boost. Croft, Wallace and Heaslip will be confident of first making the test side and then matching their illustrious opponents, utilising their mobility as much as possible. These are the three in possession of the back row positions at the moment although Martyn Williams will look to put his experience to good use to stake a claim for the seven jersey. His canny operating technique could give him the edge although he will have to perform in tonight’s fixture against the Western Province after missing the last three games through injury. Losing Stephen Ferris is a big blow as his physicality and aggression would have been useful, especially against Pierre Spies. Joe Worsley seems to be on the fringes at the moment although his versatility is welcomed by McGeechan and his coaching staff and could prove to be an asset off the bench.

Most members of the tight five seem to be putting their hands forward for selection and this could prove to be the most difficult area of selection for McGeechan. Andrew Sheridan has done himself no harm with some impressive scrummaging performances and Gethin Jenkins’ allround game and adaptability is lauded by all, despite the opinion of referee, Jonathan Kaplan. Their pure size could be especially helpful against the brutality that is sure to be a feature of the front row battle. This might be especially prevalent as the diminutive Lee Mears looks to have put forth a strong case for selection with his excellent performance against the Natal Sharks on Wednesday where his lineout throwing was as reliable as ever. However, the rest of the front-row squad members, particularly Phil Vickery and Euan Murray, are all knocking on the door and a strong performance from them against Western Province and Southern Kings could put pressure on the men seemingly in possession.

The second-row seems solid with O’Connell likely to lead the team and to be partnered by Alun-Wyn Jones. These two worked especially well together in the line-out against the Sharks. However, the skilful and experienced Simon Shaw will be desperate to get a Test cap whilst Nathan Hines has another opportunity to impress in tomorrows game against Western Province after his commanding effort in the rout of the Golden Lions last week.
The one big surprise that could shock everyone could be that Ugo Monye might start at left-wing. With another big performance, Monye can overtake other more likely alternatives. Shane Williams, despite many opportunities looks to have been found out by defenders. Luke Fitzgerald looks sharp but the selectors might want a bit more physicality which Monye offers in spades.

But, if anything is certain, it is that Lions teams are never set in stone. Different players will be required for different scenarios. Add to this the constant threat of injuries and all is still to play for before the first Test next Saturday.
Whatever team lines up against the Springboks in Durban are sure to be ready to fight for their new mates as the Lions’ legendary team ethos looks to be a major weapon for McGeechan and his men.

However, if the indomitable Matfield, Spies, Smit and co are to be defeated, the Lions will have to fight in prides, hit every ruck like they are fighting for survival and never let the Boks hit open space as they are pretty handy in the backline too….

Trav’s Likely Test 22 for the First Test, 20th June 2009, Durban:

Andrew Sheridan
Lee Mears
Gethin Jenkins
Alun-Wyn Jones
Paul O’Connell
Tom Croft
Martyn Williams
Jamie Heaslip
Mike Phillips
Stephen Jones
Ugo Monye
Jamie Roberts
Brian O’Driscoll
Tommy Bowe
Lee Bryne