Geech: Everything must click

McGeechan: Lions test

If you ever want to do something that draws out the best in you and everybody else, then it's behind that Lions badge.

Ian McGeechan
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British & Irish Lions boss Ian McGeechan has told Sky Sports magazine that his chosen squad must "get everything right" if they are to have a chance of defeating world champions South Africa next year.

McGeechan will embark on his fourth stint as Lions coach when the three Test series gets underway next summer, live on Sky Sports.

After masterminding the 1997 Lions success in South Africa, McGeechan - along with coaches Warren Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley - take their troops into this latest challenge as outsiders.

The Springboks were on top form during the autumn internationals - a clean sweep of victories over Wales, Scotland and a record win over England illustrating the quality at coach Peter de Villiers' disposal.

McGeechan will name an initial 65-man squad in January, before whittling it down to 35 players who will travel out to take on the World Cup winners on their own patch.

Talented

And, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports magazine, McGeechan admits he and his selected squad must be on top form if they are to replicate the stunning Lions feat recorded almost 12 years ago.

"They (South Africa) have got an array of talented and strong players and they're physically powerful men," McGeechan said.

"Their pack is very strong - Victor Matfield is probably the best second row in the world, they have very good front and back rows and they have some particularly talented young players in the backs who know how to score tries.

"They're in pretty good shape and we need to get everything right when it matters if we want to win those Test matches."

The touring Lions squad will play seven tour matches and three Tests over a five-week period when they arrive in South Africa next year.

Experience

On such a demanding tour both mentally and physically, McGeechan admits that ultimately it is his responsibility to have his players perfectly prepared for the three Tests.

"Your body has to be able to stand up to it as a player - it is pretty tough physically," he said.

"As a coach, you have the responsibility for the whole group, the tactics and direction, so mentally it is very tough.

"I think for everybody involved it is a very mentally and physically draining experience because you just put so much into it.

"But that's what the Lions badge is all about - if you ever want to do something that draws out the best in you and everybody else, then it's behind that Lions badge."

For more of Ian McGeechan's exclusive interview, check out the January edition of the Sky Sports magazine.