Fleckie's got Lions fever
rugby365.com columnist Robbie Fleck tries to get inside the head of British & Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan… and he also makes his Super 14 picks for the upcoming weekend’s action.
Well, I must admit – I have Lions fever, it’s official!
Watching the Lions squad announcement on Tuesday was great and it got me thinking this week about how exciting the tour will be.
The Springboks, of course, will be up for revenge after losing the series in 1997, but I do not want to focus on them this week. I will, however, look at the Boks in next week’s column and maybe even take a stab at picking my Bok XV.
What I would like to do this week is have a look at the Lions – or, in particular, their coaching staff.
Heading up the coaching group this year is Ian McGeechan, a true Lions legend and, importantly, somebody who has been there and done that as a player and a coach in South Africa before.
Geech is a great man manager and the right person to head up this Lions coaching staff, although he does have some amazing people in his support stuff.
The true value in McGeechan, however, is that he knows what it takes to be a Lion, which will ensure that the squad will be a happy one – despite four nations being pulled together for one common cause.
He understands what needs to be done to keep everyone happy and he understands the dynamics of the various cultures and people involved on a tour of this magnitude. For instance, when Shane Williams (Wales) runs out there he knows Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) will get the ball to him – no matter what.
Serving ‘underneath’ Geech is Warren Gatland – a man I believe is the best coach in the world at present. He has achieved plenty with Wasps, Ireland and Wales and he was a logical choice to have on the coaching staff – but not as head coach as he could easily have made the same mistakes as Graham Henry in 2001. He is also a Kiwi and has not been a Lion – that factor cannot be underestimated.
Shaun Edwards will handle the attack and the defence and he is someone that I greatly admire. He has combined the best parts of union and league and works well with Rob Howley – one of his Welsh coaching colleagues.
Graham Rowntree completes the coaching staff and is a canny campaigner, having toured here with the Lions in 1997 and playing a lot of Test rugby for England.
This coaching staff, I believe, is the greatest threat to South Africa. O’Connell, O’Driscoll, Williams are all fine players, but McGeechan and co. will shape them and threaten the Boks on their own turf. The last thing the Boks can do is underestimate this Lions squad – mainly, however, due to their fine coaches.
The 37-man squad has been selected on form, which is another boost. Sure, some players might feel aggrieved, and there are not many Englishmen in the side, but it’s a typical touring party selected to front up to the Boks.
The forwards are physical and the backs are quick, it’s pretty clear what their approach will be, but I think South Africa will have the edge in the second row and the back row with the likes of Matfield, Botha, Burger and Smith in a league of their own. (As I mentioned earlier, I will look at the Boks next week.)
A huge factor, however, will be the time this Lions squad spends together. If this squad were to get together tomorrow, they would have an excellent chance of upsetting South Africa, but they will not have a long time together due to the various local club competitions in England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
But like I said, don’t underestimate these Lions – they will fight to the bitter end and will give the Boks a torrid time!
My weekend predictions:
HIGHLANDERS v STORMERS:
Friday, April 24 – 9.35am
The Stormers are up against it… it’s their last game on what has been a long tour and they’re up against a team with a superb pack and good winning ethic this season.
Their latest injuries won’t help, but I am hoping Tiger Bax gets a chance to show what he is capable of.
Fleckie’s prediction: Highlanders by five/six points.
FORCE v LIONS:
Friday, April 24 – 1.05pm
The Lions won well last week and credit to them. The Force, however, will be a different proposition – especially at home and I think their pack can match the Lions.
Then, of course, Matt Giteau will take over and we all know what he can do.
Fleckie’s prediction: The Force – with Giteau leading the way – by 10…
BLUES v REDS:
Saturday, April 25 – 7.30am
This isn’t quite the Blues-Reds matches of old when the likes of Timmy Horan, John Eales, etc went up against Blues legends like the Brookes, Michael Jones, Lomu and Spencer, but, having said that, this current Blues side are in form at present and playing good rugby.
They give the ball some air and have some dangerous runners and they’re up against a team who, despite a bright start to the season, are falling apart a wee bit.
It’s a pity as I rate the Reds highly, but Phil Mooney can do only so much as the coach. The players need to come to the party.
Fleckie’s prediction: I cannot see the Blues going down… The home team by 10 points.
HURRICANES v BRUMBIES:
Saturday, April 25 – 9.35am
The Hurricanes are playing some good rugger and they scored some good tries against the Stormers last week – a team that normally has a tight defence.
They’re coming good at the right time in the season and they will need every ounce of that form against the Brumbies, who have pulled together well after all their off-field setbacks.
Fleckie’s prediction: The ‘Canes are at home – a huge boost against this emotion-driven Brumby team – they will win by five.
CHEETAHS v CRUSADERS:
Saturday, April 25 – 3pm
Just like the ‘Canes are running into some good form, the Crusaders are showing once again why they are so formidable.
They are a class act and if they were a horse running in a race they would be the horse to back!
Fleckie’s prediction: The Crusaders – with Richie McCaw adding so much – to win by at least 10 points.
BULLS v CHIEFS:
Saturday, April 25 – 5.05pm
This is my game of the weekend – it should be a cracker.
Both these sides are in good form at present – even though the Bulls lost to the Brumbies – and the Chiefs, in particular, are playing an exciting brand of rugby.
The Bulls, however, should have too much firepower now that they are back at home and with Victor Matfield back in the mix after paternity leave. In fact, their entire pack is what should give them the edge.
Fleckie’s prediction: Bulls fans – I am sorry and I know you think I am a bad omen, but I think your team will win this match. Bulls by five.
Until next week,
Fleckie
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