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

Luck of the Irish?

Friday night should have been a night to savour for the Munster players. Victory at Musgrave Park over the Scarlets put the side on the brink of their second Celtic League title, their first for 6 years and since the re-branding and restructure of the league. They are looking forward to an unprecedented 8th Heineken Cup Semi-Final in the last 10 seasons. The province provided 11 of Ireland's Grand Slam winning squad and 8 will be touring South Africa this summer for the Lions, more than any other club or province. A night to saviour then, for the successes already achieved this season, and for the exciting challenges ahead. None, perhaps, had more to saviour than young scrum-half Tomas O'Leary. The man of Cork, playing at his club side Dolphins HQ should really have been able to savour what has been his "coming-out" party in to high class rugby society. He has of course featured in previous Munster triumphs, notably last seasons Heineken Cup win, but there is a feeling that this year it is more his achievements, after taking over the number 9 jersey for both Munster and Ireland from his Cork based colleague Peter Stringer. Heartbreaking then on a night that should have been a celebration of this young mans progress, that he should see his season ended so innocuously in the ninth minute, with a fracture and dislocation of the ankle. The cruel irony to cap it off? The injury was inadvertently inflicted by his team mate and fellow Lions selection Alan Quinlan. Luck of the Irish hey? Don't tell Tomas that.

O'Leary's absence is certainly a Lions concern. The removal of the only form 9 selected for the tour makes the battle ground with Fourie du Preez even more daunting. O'Leary may not be the flashiest or physical of scrum-halves but is understanding with O'Gara was a huge positive, as was his mounting collection of big game, pressure performances. Scotland skipper Mike Blair would perhaps now be the most obvious candidate to step in. Many, including this blog, felt that Blair was perhaps a little unfortunate to miss out in the first place, seeming to be omitted purely to make a point. It is fair to say that Blair, like the Scottish team as a whole, was not exactly inspiring in this years 6 Nations. True also that Edinburgh with Blair in the side have once again failed to make an impact at home or in Europe. However Blair hasn't particularly done anything wrong, he just hasn't particularly stood out since sparkling autumn form pushed him, for some commentators, into captaincy contention. This would be a fair enough reason to omit him if the same couldn't be said of the other half backs that did make it. Phillips, like the Ospreys and Wales, has tailed off with worrying rapidity. Further, after touching on luck earlier in this article, one has to ask how many four leaf clovers Harry Ellis has stashed away! Uninspiring, ill disciplined and not even the best 9 at his club, Ellis doesn't exactly fill you with confidence for the battle ahead with the World's best scrum-half.

England's Danny Care would add a bit of "x-factor". Searingly quick, alert to opportunities for breaks around the base and coming from a club side full of confidence and playing some of the most attacking rugby in the European club game. However his worrying penchant for mind numbingly foolish decisions on and off the field (perhaps most notoriously a ludicrous sin binning against Ireland in the 6 Nations and his drunken antics in the company of Mike Brown and Topsy Ojo between Test matches on England’s summer tour last year. The actions were later investigated by New Zealand police as part of sexual harassment charges brought against the players) do not aid his case. Neither has Care proven in a big game that he can take control and make a difference, the Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat against Leinster being a case in point. He has an opportunity to do so in the Guinness Premiership play-offs however, so maybe an outside bet. Chris Cusiter seems a more likely bet. A man riding high at the top of the French Top 14 with Perpignan, Cusiter was even entrusted to supply Daniel Carter ball on his brief stay in France. Cusiter has perhaps been unfortunate not to have forced his way in to the Scotland's starting 15 owing to Blair being captain. He has certainly shown both domestically and from the bench internationally that he is in better for than his national skipper and could even make a late run at the Lions test 15 if selected as O'Leary's replacement.

A final name and perhaps the most intriguing of the lot. O’Leary’s misfortune may well be to his provincial competitor Peter Stringer's gain. Stringer's second half of the season form as an impact number 9 has been a revelation. A man of the match performance at Murrayfield in the 6 Nations will have done know harm either and, if you think about it, he is almost the most logical replacement. The squad dynamic would not change at all; 14 Irishmen with 8 men of Munster still. A player the captain clearly knows and trusts with an even better relationship with O'Gara at fly half than O'Leary. Tried and tested in big games, still bringing a winning mentality and a vast experience of big games. He would not be first choice but ideal in the midweek squad and to perform a similar role as he has done for Ireland this season emerging from the bench with half an hour to go to either steady the ship or inject some fresh impetus with his snappy delivery. With big games left now as Munster's first choice he has the perfect opportunity to make the decision for the selectors. Luck of the Irish hey? Perhaps for Peter Stringer.

It seems to me that Blair may again miss out given that his opportunities between now and the end of the season a severely limited to impress. Therefore I feel Messer’s Howley and McGeechan may well be collecting their tickets for Heineken Cup, Guinness Premiership play-offs and Top 14 Grand Finals as the 3 form candidates battle it out for the newly open seat on the plane. It's going to be fun watching!

Only True Lions Wanted as toughest test nears

The nervous anticipation for the announcement of the 2009 British and Irish Lions tourists was punctuated, bizarrely by an almost tranquil calm, the minute Tour Manager Gerald Davies appeared, stage left at the Sofitel Heathrow. Davies,twice a lion himself, appeared to no great fanfare, light show or highlight reel montage of his exploits as one of Northern Hemisphere rugby's undoubted greats. His history and standing, like that of the British and Irish Lions speaks for itself and was allowed to do so. This set the tone from start to finish; the Lions needs no extra hype, no ramping up of anticipation it is simply the greatest honour a professional rugby player in these four nations can have. It was an enormous relief after the debacle of the previous tour and was the first sign of hope, that a return to true Lions values has been brought about and that is something in which we can all take our first fillet of confidence.

This confidence was not to be unfounded in the squad itself either. True to his word Ian McGeechan picked a more manageable squad of just 37 compared to 45 last time around. This has left genuine test opportunities for all concerned with even the most densely populated positions in the squad being contested by 5 guys for 2 places. The coach also backed up his claims that reputation would count least in his selection process and thus national captains Steve Borthwick, Mike Blair and Ryan Jones will see their passports stamped with summer tours to the Americas and not South Africa. Jones in particular must be starting to wonder what he got up to in a previous life. From leadership front runner and hunting back to back Grand Slams his rugby world seems to have disintegrated around him. A flat EDF semi final performance, demolition at Thomond Park and those narrow defeats to France and Ireland have sadly defined Jones' season. The stand out player of the 2005 tour and nominee for the 2008 IRB world player of the year(as was Blair) must still be losing sleep over whether Gavin Henson should have been thrown that ball with seconds left at the Millennium in March's 6Nations decider. Injuries seem to be as regular part of Lions tradition as the court judge however, so maybe we will get to see what Jones is truly made of. Ospreys collapse in the last 2 months perhaps did similarly for the versatile James Hook who looked to be in prime position for the third fly half spot. His time, like that of another undoubtedly talented youngster Danny Cipriani, may well be in future tours.

An Osprey at the other end of the spectrum must be Adam Jones. The Welsh prop who has played like a member of the "hair bear bunch", not just resembled one, in recent weeks can count himself fortunate that the ever underrated John Hayes has again been bitterly unlucky to miss out on the recognition he deserves. Perhaps pushing Hayes for most unfortunate holiday maker is England and Leicester blind side Tom Croft. Croft seems (perhaps with Delon Armitage) to be the only player to have missed out purely on squad balance and tactics and not form. Looking at the probable shape of the test back row Croft's undoubted skills don't seem to blend with skill sets of the other selections to create a balanced back row. Whilst speed is vital to keep the ball away from the giant spring bock pack the Lions also need to be able to retain it at ruck time and most probably defend their line for long periods. With Martyn Williams the obvious choice as a spoiler and ball player at open side the Lions 6 needs to be physical both in defence and in enabling the quick ball needed to move the Springbok front 5 around. 6 will also most likely need to be a gain line ball carrier off slow ball, particularly if Jamie Heaslip is, as he seems to be right now, first choice at no.8. One big back row carrier is simply not going to be enough and it is not particularly Heaslip's game at any rate. Therefore I predict that Stephen Ferris is the man heading up the queue for the number 6 slot with Andy Powell as an impact carrier from the bench in the last half hour. Croft isn't a big ball carrier and neither is Williams, it is therefore impossible in my opinion for them to be in the same side, this coupled with Crofts relative inexperience in a squad that isn't burgeoning with such a commodity depreciated his value to the mid week side and thus, wily veteran Alan Quinlan snuck in ahead of him. However if Williams were to lose out to Worsley, a ball carrying 7, for the open side slot then leaving Croft seems a huge error.

The squad as a whole is a reassuring blend of battle hardened pros and just enough magic and element of the unknown to keep the Springboks interested. The use of partnerships in the squad such as Tomas O'leary and Ronan O'Gara, Tom Shanklin and Jamie Roberts, Paul O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan seems astute both as a method of quick bonding and understanding, as well as tried and tested combinations to face up to their greatest test yet. With 25 of the squad having won Grand Slams in the last 2 years, and 8 from European rugby's school of winners Munster as well as men such as double World Cup finalist Phil Vickery, the Lions management seem to have gathered men of a like minded, big game winning mentality which will be so vital.

Despite a lot of doom and gloom mungers in the press the squad looks strong. The front row battle ground looks to be an area on which the Lions can build a platform. Gethin Jenkins is in fine form, Vickery whatever his critics argue a powerful scrummager and Euan Murray perhaps the most destructive scrummaging force about at the moment. Murray lest we forget turned in a man of the match performance against the Springboks back in the autumn as he almost single handedly demolished the World Champions scrummage. All Black captain Richie McCaw described England as the greatest physical challenge in World rugby after his sides victory last summer so the presence of Shaw, Worsley, Sherridan, Vickery and Mears in the forwards is perhaps more cause for optimism that it initially seems. In Leigh Halfpenny, Keith Earls and Rikki Flutey there are relative international unknowns with game breaking ability. Brian O'Driscoll is again showing why many feel he is still the finest player in the world, both goal kickers are reliable and both Kearney and Byrne, the full back options, are excellent under the high ball and kick it miles, perfect for the altitude tests when allied with their searing counter-attacking ability. There seems in all an exciting blend of guys with reputations to create and those who have a point to prove. A Lions series victory would take the O'Gara's, O'Connell's, Williams' to the next level, enhance themselves as true greats of the game, in summation there are a lot of hungry Lions.

Having said that South Africa rightly start as favourites. Their options in most areas of the field are embarrassingly plentiful. Whilst injuries to key Lions would spell disaster if the best Springbok china gets broken they simply wheel out an equally opulent trinket to replace it . Forget the Springbok first team for a second and glance around the reserves and even those outside the squad. Would either Ndungane ride the bench for the Lions? or Kankowski? Juan Smith not even in the squad??!! All the articles of a Springbok persuasion this week have highlighted 2 things; firstly how hungry the South Africans are to avenge 12 years ago, and secondly, for the Lions players the cycle if you miss out is every four years, for these Springbok players they could get 3 or 4 goes at a World Cup but this could be their one and only shot at a Lions series win. The Lions players interviewed this week have spoken of their selection being the pinnacle of their careers, it is merely the start if they want to come away with anything other than defeat.

Before the slide show of squad inclusions had whirred into action there were already omissions to laud the coaching panel for. Gone is the eurovision monstrosity"power of four" that served, as it happened, as a fittingly cringe worthy prelude to the performances on the field. The army of back room staff has been decimated, Alistair Campbell palmed off to the BBC and single rooms consigned to history in a return to a shared experience. As Ian McGeechan famously told the victorious 1997 Lions, no one else will understand the bond they have, one day many years in the future they would bump into each other and that experience would be expressed with just a smile or a nod, the Lions is about a unique collective not a razmataz travelling troupe. In short those type of Lions have been returned to the circus, the true Lions have been called for.