McGeechan: Different faces, same passion

Ian McGeechan has backed a much-changed British and Irish Lions team to produce another combative performance in tomorrow’s Test series finale against South Africa at Ellis Park.

The Lions, 2-0 down with one game left, are desperate for a successful tour conclusion following agonising failures in Durban and Pretoria.

McGeechan has made seven changes following a last-kick 28-25 defeat at Loftus Versfeld six days ago and the alterations include a recall for England prop Phil Vickery, who was dropped last weekend following his mauling at the hands of revered Springboks scrummager Tendai ’The Beast’ Mtawarira in Durban.

“We’ve tried to freshen it up – there have been some tight calls over the first two Tests,” said Lions head coach McGeechan.

“We certainly don’t want to go back on the way we’ve been playing, or on our approach and attitude.

“We’ve got a new challenge. Those players are very keen they show their own capabilities, and I am very encouraged by just what they’ve done in training this week.”