Edwards: Geech should call on duo
11:57am Thursday 15th May 2008
GARETH Edwards is backing Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards to join forces with Ian McGeechan in coaching the British and Irish Lions in South Africa next summer, writes Iwan Davies.
The Welsh rugby legend believes the triumvirate could form the right combination to beat the world champions on Springbok soil.
He said their successful coaching backgrounds and the fact they know each other would be hugely important, especially with so little preparation time available.
Speaking yesterday after McGeechan was unveiled as Lions head coach for the ten-game tour - which includes a three Tests - he told the Argus: "I'd be quite happy to see Gatland and Edwards there. The Lions have so little time to prepare and so little time together that getting the right combination of coaches is very important.
"McGeechan was the ideal candidate as head coach. He's been there and done it, both as both a player and coach."
The Scotsman played in all four Tests during the Lions' 3-0 series win, with one draw, against South Africa in 1974 and coached the 1997 side to their 2-1 victory over the Boks.
Edwards, regarded as one of the finest players in the history of the game, said: "McGeechan knows what's needed to win in South Africa.
"And if Gatland can fit the tour into his commitments with Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union are happy for him to go, then why not? After all, they have all proven themselves."
Edwards believes the Lions can beat the Boks: "I'm very excited about this series and 1997 was a fantastic tour.
"If our best players are available and don't get injured, then they certainly have a chance but beating the World Cup winners in their own backyard is never going to be easy, particularly at altitude."
Edwards thinks McGeechan's approach might be different from Sir Clive Woodward, who coached the whitewashed 2005 Lions in New Zealand, and he thinks he'll select a smaller squad and backroom staff: "It's no criticism of Woodward - that was his belief for what was in front of him.
"The New Zealand tour was a big disappointment but I believe the lessons have been learned.
"The Lions are a powerful brand and there's always huge anticipation when they tour."
* Gareth Edwards is an HSBC ambassador, alongside Gavin Hastings, Jason Robinson and Brian O'Driscoll. HSBC is the principal partner and shirt sponsor of the British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa in 2009. For more access to the HSBC ambassadors visit the official British & Irish Lions website www.lionsrugby.com