Geech - O'Connell is special

McGeechan: O'Connell praise

We need that impetus up front and Paul is a very special character.

Ian McGeechan
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LIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA
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British and Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan is adamant captain Paul O'Connell has the strength of character to lead the squad to a first tour win since 1997.

Munster second row O'Connell will become the 10th Irishman to lead a Lions tour and is among a record 14 players from the Emerland Isle selected for the trip, which starts against a High Veld XV in Rustenburg on May 30.

Former Ireland skipper O'Connell will lead a 37-man touring squad which does not include home nations captains Steve Borthwick, Ryan Jones and Mike Blair.

O'Connell is thought to have edged out compatriot Brian O'Driscoll in a two-man race for the captaincy and McGeechan is confident the 29-year-old lock can drive the tourists to victory.

Natural leader

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News, McGeechan said: "He (O'Connell) leads by example and I think it is important the forwards have a central focus for their play because no doubt our forward play has got to by dynamic and confident in what we do and how we do it.

"I think it's important we have a captain who has the focus of that.

"Paul O'Connell has shown over his career that he is a natural leader both on and off the field.

"He drives a forward pack with his character and it was important to have that focus in the forwards - we need that impetus up front and Paul is a very special character.

"He leads from the front on the field and as a quality international has the respect of his fellow players all over the world.

"As a member of the 2005 tour to New Zealand he played in five matches including three Tests so knows all about the ethos and challenges of Lions tours.

"I look forward to working with him and the entire squad over the coming months as we strive to develop a side that can add a successful chapter in the long history of the Lions."

Tough decisions

Wasps director of rugby McGeechan also spoke of his relief to have finally unveiled the squad after months of deliberation.

And Scottish tactician, who is heading into his fourth Lions tour as coach, is now hoping his recently-announced squad can go on to record back-to-back wins over the Boks.

"To get where we are today and the announcement of the 37 players who will travel to South Africa has taken a lot of thought and work," he said.

"Over the last six months the Lions coaching staff has attended countless matches, analysed endless games and taken the counsel of national and domestic coaches.

"Today marks the end of a comprehensive and detailed selection process.

"Naturally there were some tough decisions and there will be disappointed players but I am confident that this is a very strong and capable squad.

"Its composition reflects the form shown in the Six Nations and domestic rugby and has a balanced blend of experience and youth."

"I think we have some talent there, we have a variety there. We hope the mix is right, both character and chemistry wise and the most important thing is how quickly we come together and we get the most out of everyone."