O’Gara: Lions must copy Munster

RONAN O’GARA believes the mix in Ian McGeechan’s Lions squad could make the tour to South Africa the best six weeks of his career.

Describing McGeechan’s 37-man squad as one filled with “good characters” and confident young players, the Ireland out-half says if the Munster template of respect and friendship that makes the European champions such a successful entity can be replicated at Lions level, the tour can a real success.

“It’s no secret that a key ingredient in the success of Munster is the respect and friendship that exists between the players,” said O’Gara. “I think for the Lions to be at that optimum, we’re going to have to have the same relationship with no barriers.