Smit hails the Lions concept

SOUTH AFRICAN captain John Smit has backed Ian McGeechan’s assertion that the British and Irish Lions brand is the biggest in world rugby.

“It is up there with the World Cup; I would think it is the biggest experience I have had in rugby. It is one of the most prized things rugby union has to offer a player, for those who get to play for and against them,” said Smit.

McGeechan was charged with putting the pride back in the brand after an inept tour to New Zealand in 2005 under Clive Woodward threatened the future of the concept. The canny Scot returned to basics and emphasised the importance of early bonding between players from the four countries. The end result was a Test series of magnificent intensity that ended in a 2-1 advantage to the Springboks but could easily have gone either way.