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.

Yesterday, Smit made it clear what it meant to every South African lucky enough to play against the Lions.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for us to play against the cream of British and Irish rugby,” said Smit. “I think some people underestimate the importance of it; we have our Tri Nations, which is important, we have the World Cup which is very important, but this year our priority was the Lions tour.

“It has been an amazing experience from start to finish; we watched all the games and it was fascinating to see the squad develop in such a short space of time. After the match, we followed the Lions in a lap of honour to thank our own fans but also to thank the Lions fans for the atmosphere they brought.

“It has been a privilege and an honour to participate in a series that produced such good rugby, intensity and drama.”