Guscott: Geech a Lions inspiration

May 16 2008 Media Wales

Jeremy Guscott has hailed the appointment of Ian McGeechan as Lions chief for next year’s South Africa tour.

Wasps rugby director McGeechan will take charge of his fourth Lions trip, having led them to Australia (1989), New Zealand (1993) and South Africa (1997).

Guscott, England’s so-called ’prince of centres’ who won 65 caps and scored 30 tries, started eight out of nine Tests under McGeechan on those three trips, with the Lions recording series victories in Australia and South Africa.

The former Bath star said: “His credentials for the role are unmatched.

“It is very difficult to to beat a southern hemisphere power on their patch with a scratch team and little preparation.

“But it is also the chance of a lifetime to work with an inspirational coach like Geech.

“I was lucky enough to be selected for the 1989, 1993 and 1997 tours by Geech, and they remain the pinnacle of my playing career.

“Each tour was different, each time he adjusted to the challenge and prepared players brilliantly.

“We won the Test series on two of those three tours, and I give Geech most of the credit.”

McGeechan, who leads Wasps into Sunday’s Guinness Premiership play-off clash against Bath at Adams Park, was the Lions board’s unanimous choice for the Springbok mission.

As was the case 11 years ago, McGeechan will find himself plotting the downfall of rugby union’s reigning world champions.

But his Lions pedigree is so rich few would bet against the 61-year-old masterminding another tour to remember.

Lions chairman Andy Irvine said: “If you look at Geech’s record it really speaks for itself. He is proven to be successful over a long period of time.

“We approached him and the big question was: ’Is the hunger still there?’

“He is as fired up as he has ever been, and there are similarities in that between Geech and (Manchester United manager) Sir Alex Ferguson.

“The desire and the hunger is there. He is 61 years old, but he is a very young 61.

“He is fit as a flea, he just loves the Lions to bits and he is already extremely excited at some of the young talent coming through.

“He has been coaching at the top for 20 years, but he is as enthusiastic now as I have ever seen him.”

Current Wales boss Warren Gatland and Wasps coach Shaun Edwards, who enjoyed a hugely-successful partnership at McGeechan’s current club, are expected to join his coaching staff when further Lions appointments are ratified later this year.

Edwards currently works alongside McGeechan at Wasps and Gatland with Wales, and there is no doubt they could forge a formidable Lions coaching team.

England World Cup winner Jason Robinson, a Lions tourist in 2001 and 2005 – the latter occasion when McGeechan was an assistant coach, said: “’Geech’ has got the passion. You can’t play this game without passion.

“I didn’t know anything about the Lions when I came to rugby union, but he really got me going. I played for the Lions in rugby league, but it is nothing like it.

“Shaun (Edwards) has done exceptionally well in a short space of time with Warren Gatland and with Geech.

“The coaches have to get on, and if you have three people who already have that bond it will make it much easier.

“Shaun and Warren Gatland formed a close friendship working together at Wasps, and then this year made an immediate impact in Wales by winning the (RBS 6 Nations) Grand Slam.”