McGeechan Lions pedigree vital, says Bok coach De Villiers

By Ken Borland

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Ian McGeechan's experience of guiding a winning British and Irish Lions team in South Africa will be invaluable, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said on Wednesday.

McGeechan was unveiled as the head coach for next year's three-test tour on Wednesday, giving him the chance to repeat the success of 1997 against a Springbok side that were also then world champions.

De Villiers, who succeeded Jake White after the World Cup triumph in France last year, congratulated McGeechan on his appointment.

"Ian was the natural choice, he is one of the premier thinkers in the game," South Africa's first black coach told Reuters on Wednesday.

"He has a rich and successful history with the Lions, and he boasts a very proud record as a player, assistant coach and coach.

"We in South Africa will remember what he achieved back in 1997 when his Lions side beat the Springboks 2-1, and quite clearly we must prepare for a similarly drilled and well-prepared side."

De Villiers is likely to field a new-look side when they play Grand Slam winners Wales twice in June meaning the Lions could face a relatively unknown quantity twelve months later.

EARLY DAYS