Ian McGeechan

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Sports Columnist at The Telegraph

Head coach of 2009 Lions tour to South Africa

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Articles

Picking a Lions squad now is very different to my time answering to the committee

1 week ago | telegraph.co.uk | Ian McGeechan

After one of them I had a long conversation with Sean Fitzpatrick, the All Blacks captain, and John Hart. Their advice was to bring a third player for each of the key positions - prop, hooker, one in the back five, scrum-half, and one in the back three. Fitzpatrick said that as a hooker on all his previous tours, he had been involved in every game, either starting or on the bench. It meant that he could never switch off.
Picking a Lions squad now is very different to my time answering to the committee

1 week ago | sports.yahoo.com | Ian McGeechan

Selecting a British and Irish Lions squad has changed over the years. In 1993 before the tour of New Zealand, I found myself in a private room in the famous East India Club in London. It was the last tour of the amateur era and a world away from the final meeting that Andy Farrell and his Lions coaches would have held on Wednesday. I found myself sitting in front of a Lions committee, made up of around eight or nine representatives from the four home unions, which was chaired by England.
Steve Borthwick deserves huge credit for reacting to boos from England fans

2 months ago | telegraph.co.uk | Ian McGeechan

England have obviously worked hard on attitude and approach, going into a feverish atmosphere and taking all the momentum from Wales. The only thing you have to be careful about is that it was against the worst opposition in the Six Nations. Watching France play the last two weeks, you are looking at games at a different level to England-Italy and Wales-England. It is important to keep that perspective, but, going forward they have a collective attitude and intent to move the ball.
Steve Borthwick deserves huge credit for reacting to boos from England fans

2 months ago | sports.yahoo.com | Ian McGeechan

You have to give Steve Borthwick credit for the way England have evolved during this Six Nations. Controlling contact is key and if you are on the front foot then it is a different ball game, and England absolutely smashed Wales physically in Cardiff. What that did was it created the space time and again for them to play. But, if they did not have the right attitude to get their players into the right positions and to take advantage, then we would not have seen that performance.
England overplayed at times but they must stick with attacking strategy

2 months ago | telegraph.co.uk | Ian McGeechan

I know they lost against France last year, but I was very impressed with the way they played. I would be very surprised if George Ford does not have an influence in training over what they are doing, because that game in France with him at No 10 was England playing with an extra dimension. The autumn was hit and miss. This is the first time since that French game where they have looked for space and passes and runs. If you get that balance right, it is not about taking kicking out of the game.
Illuminate Ayr Promenade for Enhanced Night time Safety

Jan 13, 2025 | change.org | Ian McGeechan

Every day, locals and visitors of Ayr enjoy the stretch from Seafield Stores to the Millennium Bridge at the foot of the Door river. This area serves as a haven for many - dog walkers, joggers, and everyday strollers. However, after dusk, the lack of proper lighting in these areas turns a picturesque retreat into a potentially dangerous dark walkway. This concern is made more acute by the uneven footpaths and sudden appearance of holes that may result in unfortunate and preventable accidents.
I would have Fin Smith's name circled for the Lions

Nov 28, 2024 | telegraph.co.uk | Ian McGeechan

Fin Smith has impressed at Saints and looks like a genuine Test match-winner Credit: Getty Images/Bob Bradford I am pleased that Andy Farrell kept coaching Ireland through the autumn. There would have been an argument for him not to do anything in a British and Irish Lions season, but I think it helps because he will be up to speed with everything. Sometimes, selection comes down to gut feel. Personally, I looked at the top 20 or 25 players. There will be a lot of agreement on who most of...
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is helping transform England - Lions selection will come next

Jul 13, 2024 | telegraph.co.uk | Ian McGeechan

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has developed into one of England's most influential players Credit: Getty Images/Fiona Goodall This tour has continued England’s evolution towards being a run-first team, and, despite his inexperience, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been a leader of that process. This has been his first full season at the top level and next summer, at the end of his second, he could be a British and Irish Lion. I would certainly have him in, without a doubt. Steve Borthwick has altered the...
Steve Borthwick's England substitutions did not work against the All Blacks

Jul 6, 2024 | telegraph.co.uk | Ian McGeechan

Ben Spencer came on to replace Alex Mitchell on 57 minutes Credit: AFP/Sanka Vidangama Steve Borthwick’s approach with England continues to evolve and against New Zealand it found another level.
England improving under Steve Borthwick, but they need to find another level against All Blacks

Jun 22, 2024 | telegraph.co.uk | Ian McGeechan

England's performance against Japan offered plenty to encourage Steve Borthwick Credit: Reuters/Issei Kato The first game of this tour was about looking at the finer details of England’s performance and what they will be able to carry into the two Tests against the All Blacks, which will be an altogether different challenge. Steve Borthwick will know that his team can be more precise, but he should be encouraged. England impressed me with their off-the-ball work in attack and in defence on...