Hastings happy for McGeechan to lead Lions 10/05/2008 - 17:01:55
Gavin Hastings is convinced Ian McGeechan will rebuild the unique aura of the British and Irish Lions after the “disaster” and “circus” of the 2005 tour of New Zealand.
McGeechan is expected to be confirmed on Wednesday morning as head coach for the 2009 trip to South Africa, the fourth time he will have held the prestigious position.
Three years ago, Clive Woodward was in charge and headed for New Zealand armed with a giant squad, a huge backroom staff and plans to create the blueprint for all future Lions tours.
But Woodward came unstuck. The All Blacks swept to a 3-0 Test series victory and, in many ways, Hastings is glad he did.
McGeechan has already toured twice as a player (1974, 1977), once as an assistant coach (2005) and three times as head coach (1989, 1993, 1997).
Hastings, who was captain under McGeechan on the 1993 tour to New Zealand, believes he would be the perfect appointment to restore the ethos and principles of the Lions.
“It’s funny. I just smile when the name Ian McGeechan gets mentioned in a Lions context because he has become so synonymous with the Lions,” said Hastings.
“In 2005 we went a long way towards losing that (aura). It became a bit of a circus. If that had been the blueprint for success – taking 51 players and 26 backroom staff – then my godfathers!
“It just feels right that in this instance Geech is there. He is a very astute, clever and experienced man. He commands huge respect.
“He is a very understated man. To know his determination and desire to win, he commands respect.
“He is not the type of guy to thump the table. He always chose his words very carefully. he speaks quietly and you almost have to strain your ears – and that makes what he says more important.
“He knows what it takes to prepare a winning team. He knows what it takes to get the best out of players.
“Geech has got huge experience and he will bring all that experience to bear.”
Wasps head coach Shaun Edwards is also seen as a certainty to be named as McGeechan’s assistant and Hastings believes Wales’ supremo Warren Gatland should also be recruited to form a Lions coaching dream team.
“Everyone will think the appointment of Geech is fantastic and I am sure the Welsh guys, Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards, will be in behind him,” said Hastings, who was speaking at a Lions debate hosted by 2009 tour sponsors HSBC.
Gatland and Edwards are close friends from their days at Wasps and delivered instant Grand Slam glory when they took over Wales this year.
McGeechan has also built a close relationship with Edwards at Wasps, guiding the club to last year’s Heineken Cup triumph.
Hastings continued: “Shaun Edwards is the most incredible bloke. All the Welsh players have talked about how scared they have been of him. He commands the utmost respect. You only have to look at him and you are frightened.
“Warren Gatland is a down to earth New Zealander who has had great experience of coming over here and coaching Ireland and Wasps prior to Wales. He understands the British and Irish game. Something just feels right.”
And legendary Lions scrum-half Gareth Edwards believes the Welsh influence will stretch even further with Ryan Jones the leading candidate to be named captain.
Edwards believes Jones could one day be held in the same light as legendary Lions captains Willie John McBride and Martin Johnson.
“Ryan Jones has a strong case to be captain,” said Edwards.
“His performances this year were very mature. He is following the line of some great past stalwarts like Willie John McBride and Martin Johnson.
“He has a while to go to attain that but he seems to have that kind of stature, that ability to have people around him feel confident.
“What was good in this year’s performance was that he led by example. And it will be a good experience for him this summer to be in South Africa for two Tests with Wales.
“He has put his hand up now and it is up to him to cement that and show he is really worth the position.
“It is a vitally important position. I would say in the modern game it is more important than the national captain.
“The Lions team comes together very quickly. You have to have great respect form the guys who might only know him as opposition. You need to be able to draw people together. They are special qualities.”
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