Johnson: bold selection policy holds key to Lions success

MARTIN JOHNSON believes a bold selection policy is key to a successful Lions tour as competition to lead the 2009 squad to South Africa intensifies.

Johnson was skipper when the cream of British and Irish rugby swept to a unexpected 2-1 Test series victory against the Springboks in 1997.

The squad included a strong rugby league influence with the likes of Allan Bateman, Scott Gibbs, John Bentley and Alan Tait among those picked to take on the reigning world champions.