Paul O'Connell's legendary ambition

Chris Jones
28 May 2009

Lions captain Paul O'Connell today warned his South African hosts that his team are ready to match the unbeaten 1974 squad and become rugby legends.

O'Connell was reacting to comments from Springbok coach Pieter De Villiers, who claimed the 1974 side were unique and that the present tourists had no chance of matching their historic feats in his country.

Despite insisting he was unaware of the Springbok coach's dismissive attitude towards his men, O'Connell mounted a fearsome defence, one that has started the inevitable war of words earlier than predicted.

O'Connell, who was today named to lead the Lions in their opening tour match against a Royal XV at Rustenberg on Saturday, said: "That 1974 tour made those players legends and we are here to do the same. Winning a Test series in South Africa is what legends are made of and that's our goal.

"It would be the pinnacle of anyone's career and a massive achievement for all of us."

The Lions have named a powerful pack to lay down an early marker on this 10-match tour and the opposition, made up of players from below Super 14 level, will be delighted to test the touring team's resolve. That is why O'Connell has been paired with England's Simon Shaw - the only survivor of the 1997 series-winning squad. They pack down behind a front row featuring huge props Andrew Sheridan and Adam Jones, either side of the pugnacious Matthew Rees.

England's Joe Worsley makes his debut for the Lions at No6 and has been tasked with producing another big defensive display to allow fellow back-row forwards Andy Powell and Martyn Williams to cause havoc.

Powell summed up the mood in the camp. He said: "There is no me in this squad, just we. It's the best group of guys I have ever been involved with."

Keith Earls, the 21-year-old Munster centre, whose job in the last two days has been to look after the cuddly tour mascot, a lion, is given an early opportunity to prove why the Irish rate him so highly. He is paired with the powerful Jamie Roberts, of Wales.

Head coach Ian McGeechan knows it is vital to have established combinations on duty and has sensibly opted for the Ospreys back three of Lee Byrne, Tommy Bowe and Shane Williams, the world player of the year.

There are concerns that Williams could be exposed because of his lack of height and bulk and the Royal XV will target him with tactical kicks in this first match to be played under revised laws for mauling.

McGeechan said: "We are ready to play the first game and although there will be rough edges we know what we want to achieve. We have to be strong up front and create the right platforms.

"I don't know what's going to come out on Saturday but that's the unique aspect of the Lions."

Boys On Tour

* When the 1980 Lions headed into a South Africa township for a “hearts and minds” visit it needed the backing of the apartheid regime's police and military. But police activity was at a minimum yesterday when Ugo Monye, Brian O'Driscoll, Nathan Hines and Gethin Jenkins helped to open a new pitch at Masibambane College. The school is supported by Education Africa, a charity which has a long-standing relationship with HSBC, the Lions sponsors. The Lions party arrived by helicopter and were greeted by 800 children, some of whom walk 90 minutes to school each day.