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Featured Sport News

Lions tipped to struggle

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 22/04/2009

The British and Irish Lions face a massive test of their mettle over the summer when they travel to South Africa and the squad announcement by coach Ian McGeechan has done little to spark optimism.

A 37-man party is dominated by Ireland and Wales, with Scotland represented by a mere two players, as McGeechan has largely stuck by those who impressed in the recent Six Nations.

However, there is a distinct lack of spark and creativity among the squad that will face the world champions and betting favourites in three Test matches in June and July.

Among the backs much will depend on Brian O'Driscoll in the midfield, but the Irish centre was far from his mercurial best as his country won the Grand Slam, while the likes of Tom Shanklin and Jamie Roberts offer a lot of crash, bang, wallop, but little in the way of game-breaking finesse.

England's Riki Flutey could prove to be a key figure, but he will have his work cut out to force his way into the starting 15.

Along with O'Driscoll, inspiration will be sought from Welsh wing wizard Shane Williams, but the diminutive flyer often struggles against the powerhouses from the Southern hemisphere and could well do so again.

Full-back Lee Byrne will undoubtedly come under a barrage of high balls from the Springboks and has the talent to emerge as a major world star, as does winger Leigh Halfpenny, who is also a useful goal-kicker.

Fly-half is another area where the Lions look lacking, with both Ronan O'Gara and Stephen Jones more proficient with the boot than with the ball in hand.

Even more bad news arrives at scrum-half, with Wales' Mike Phillips having suffered a dip in form in recent months, when a year ago he looked like a contender for a place in any World XV.

However, the downward spiral stops when you reach the forwards, with skipper Paul O'Connell one of a number of high-class performers who can challenge South Africa up front.

O'Connell is likely to be joined in the second row by Alun Wyn Jones, who has the talent to dominate the lineout against any opposition.

The front row also looks solid enough for what will be a huge test of mental and physical strength, with the likes of Adam Jones and Andrew Sheridan not likely to take a backward step.

But just as you might be getting a positive vibe about the tour, the back-row options for McGeechan bring a renewed sense of foreboding.

Martyn Williams is a class performer, but at 33 his best days might well be behind him, and Andy Powell is another Welshman who can consider himself lucky to be selected after a poor Six Nations.

There are few names left out of the squad who would have made a massive difference, with McGeechan's options limited after a Six Nations often devoid of real quality.

That means that a summer of struggles in South Africa is all but a certainty.

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