Smit: McGeechan reeling in the years for Lions

SOUTH AFRICA captain John Smit claimed Ian McGeechan is “trying to replicate the vibe and momentum... of 1997” with his squad selection for the 2009 British and Irish Lions.

McGeechan named his 37-man touring party for the ten-match, three-Test series against the Springboks on Wednesday, with Ireland’s Paul O’Connell handed the captaincy amid a physically strong set of forwards.

The Munster second row, who pipped countryman Brian O’Driscoll to the accolade, is a similar choice to McGeechan’s last Lions tour captain — when imposing England lock forward Martin Johnson was picked to lead the 1997 side.