BRITISH & IRISH LIONS

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Boks a mixed bag - McGeechan

Thursday 06th November 2008

Wary: Ian McGeechan knows what to expect from his B&I Lions' opponents

British and Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan believes South Africa's ability to mix their styles of play makes them "dangerous".

McGeechan will lead a 35-strong squad to South Africa next year - and the Scot knows his side will be up against it when they take on the world champions.

"They have an ability to mix and match the way they play so that makes them dangerous," McGeechan told Sky Sports, who will follow South Africa around during their autumn tour on the home unions.

"They won the World Cup by playing different styles. They destroyed some sides in their pool - just look at the England game - and were able to tighten things up."

McGeechan, who guided the Lions to their 1997 series win over South Africa, is also full of praise of the Springboks squad.

With the likes of Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana and John Smit likely to line up against the Lions in 2009, McGeechan admits they have quality throughout.

"I think they have some talented players," he said.

"They have an outstanding young team with strong runners in the backs and a big, strong pack. Victor Matfield is possibly the best line-out jumper in the world.

"They play with a varied and flexibility to their game. They have a strong captain in John Smit, while Matfield's partner (Bakkies Botha) isn't too bad either.

"They also have options in the back row with the likes of Schalk Burger, while they have some young players like Ryan Kankowski coming through.

"Then in the backs they have a lot of good players. There is Bryan Habana obviously, while Butch James has come on and added some more to his game since coming to the UK."

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