IAN McGEECHAN has turned to seven of Ireland’s Grand Slam heroes to rescue an ailing Lions Series, but Ollie Campbell believes there’s likely to be a backlash against the Irish contingent should the match go pear-shaped in Pretoria.

THE British and Irish Lions will face a team made up mainly of players from the GWK Griquas and Platinum Leopards in their opening tour match on May 30. A Royal XV side, which the Lions will face at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng, will be led by flanker Wilhelm Koch.

Paul O’Connell has been confirmed as captain of the British and Irish Lions for their tour of South Africa, with Keith Earls a surprise addition to the squad.

Paul O’Connell tonight claimed the Lions had to take collective responsibility for their miserable New Zealand tour which culminated in a Test series whitewash.

Lawrence Dallaglio was in philosophical mood today after undergoing ankle surgery to stabilise the fracture he suffered in the Lions' opening tour victory over Bay of Plenty.