“It’s a great team, our focus is good, we know what we are doing and I think we’ve got a great chance. We had a good training session today and the spirit is there. The next few days are going to be important in ticking off the little details that can make such a big difference.” The words of British and Irish Lions test captain, Paul O’Connell ahead of the first test against South Africa this Saturday.
The big Limerick lock added; “When we’ve got the little things right on this tour we’ve looked a very good side.
But we know the Springboks are the best team in the world, a really serious side who are going to provide us with a massive challenge.
The Lions fans are a massive part of the whole Lions experience and we’ve already seen and heard them in Durban. Every bit of help you can get on a Lions tour is gratefully received and hopefully they can help us to do it.”O’Connell was speaking following the announcement by British & Irish Lions Tour Manager, Gerald Davies, and Head Coach Ian McGeechan of the Lions’ team for the First Test against South Africa.
Davies said, “Playing South Africa on its home soil is one of the ultimate challenges for the British & Irish Lions. South Africa also happens to be World Champions which adds an extra edge to the series, just as it did in 1997. The tradition between the Lions and the Springboks is legendary and after the six lead up provincial matches the rugby world is waiting with great anticipation for the First Test in Durban this Saturday.”
Commenting on the team selection Head Coach Ian McGeechan said, “The preparation for the First Test has been very positive. It has been a challenge to reach the First Test with an unbeaten record as we have played a variety of provincial teams across the country.
“This challenge is a unique one in the modern rugby calendar in that it comes only in a Lions context these days. The players have had to adapt to preparing and playing more frequently. They have answered that challenge.
“It has been 20 years since a Lions team has won all of its’ provincial matches leading up to the Test series so it is very satisfying to be in such a position. The entire squad and the management have worked hard to create an outstanding team environment. Everyone has done this very professionally and it is fair to say that I would not change anything that we have done so far.
“The Test team has been picked on form following the six provincial matches. There were some very difficult calls to make as the players as a group and individually have done everything that we have asked of them and performed on the field,” added McGeechan.
The British & Irish Lions versus South Africa on Saturday 20th June
15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
5. Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland) Captain
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
Replacements:
16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Donncha O’Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O’Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)
