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Lions unveil tour plans
Coach to announce preliminary squad in January
Last updated: 7th October 2008
McGeechan: Planning ahead
What I'm not doing is selecting a Lions squad straight after the Six Nations because I think there'll be six or seven players that we'll probably want to see more of post-Six Nations.
Ian McGeechan
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British and Irish Lions head coach Ian McGeechan has revealed that a preliminary squad of 60 will be announced in January ahead of the summer tour to South Africa.
The group will meet up for a pre-tour meeting at the start of the year, with the squad set to be trimmed down throughout the season.
And although the 35 players who are likely to make the trip to face the World Cup winners will come out of that group, the door will remain open for other s to force their way into the reckoning.
McGeechan, the Wasps director of rugby, said: "If someone's outstanding in the Six Nations and they're not part of that 60, we'll be flexible.
"It's just an indication of the sort of players we feel are in form at that point."
Although the announcement of the preliminary squad will come in January, McGeechan will not rush naming the final 35.
"What I'm not doing is selecting a Lions squad straight after the Six Nations because I think there'll be six or seven players that we'll probably want to see more of post-Six Nations," he said.
"It's relatively easy to pick 25. It's the last 10 that often make the difference on a Lions tour. I think it's important to give ourselves time to really look at those final selections and those key players."
Preparation
McGeechan's hopes of getting his final group together will not be helped by the timing of the tour and the end of the season - however he is determined to make the most of his time with the squad.
"When you've got a preparation week before we go away which includes the Heineken Cup final then we've got to make the most of the time," said the Scot.
"What I'm trying to do is be as time effective as I can with the players that are likely to be involved."
McGeechan, who masterminded the 1997 Lions success over the Springboks, insists that all shirts are up for grabs - and has warned that players who fail to maintain their form could miss out.
"If you are aspiring to be a Lion then you know you don't accept poor performances," he added.
"It's that consistency on a Lions tour that, ultimately, if you're going to do anything, will make the difference."
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Comments (6)
Iain Carswell says...
Mike Whatamoron I say. "Someone's forgotten what Sir Clive did in 2003?" Don't patronise me Mike, let's refocus on the dubious legacy Sir Clive left English rugby. England are so stuck in 2003 they have resorted to employing Johnson to restore the glory days. Hardly a progressive step!! Clive Woodward laid the foundations for the disgrace that is English Rugby!!
Posted 16:34 8th October 2008
Robert Saunders says...
Sir Clive totally devalued the special place that the Lions hold within the rugby world. Through picking half the premiership to tour New zealand. The Lions historically has been seen as the pinnacle in any players career. So now Andy Titteral and Oli Smith can claim to have reached the same level as Garth Edwards, Barry John and Willie John McBride. I am looking forward to Ian McGeechan restoring some pride to the noble institution of the British and Irish Lions.
Posted 09:37 8th October 2008
David Talbot says...
refreshing? He¿s led it twice and toured as a player three times. But I do think he's the best man for the job, he knows what being a lion is all about. I think the lions could have one of the best teams ever. Their forwards especially could be class.
Posted 14:31 7th October 2008
Andrew Hedley says...
what has sir clive done since? tried his hand at football and got nowhere. england won the worldcup playing boring rugby.
Posted 13:55 7th October 2008
Mike Whatmore says...
I think someone's forgotten what Sir Clive did in 2003?
Posted 13:09 7th October 2008
Connor Kinnear says...
How refreshisng it is to see Ian McGeechan leading the Lions tour and hear himtalking about his plans after the shambles that "Sir" Clive Woodward put together. It is genuinely going to be exciting again with the Scot in charge. I just wonder that if Clive Woodward got his knighthood for services to Rugby etc. should he not have had it removed for making such an embarrasment of a great institution like the lions?
Posted 12:19 7th October 2008