Ian McGeechan’s suggested changes for Lions team make a lot of sense

The former Lions head coach is not slamming on the ‘PANIC’ button.

Following the British & Irish Lions’ 27-9 defeat to South Africa, on Saturday, Ian McGeechan stressed that the Third Test decider would be ’50/50′.

Ronan O’Gara was not so sure – suggesting the Springboks were now favourites – but the Scot believes Warren Gatland’s side are still more than capable of clinching the series.

McGeechan, who led the Lions on their last tour to South Africa in 2009, has suggested four changes to the tourists’ starting XV. One of those changes could see the Lions captaincy switch back to Conor Murray.

Starting with the backline, McGeechan is throwing national loyalties out of the window. He is dropping Stuart Hogg and Duhan van der Merwe. McGeechan told Sky Sports:

“Liam Williams at full-back, Josh Adams on. It’s a Test match they have to win, so you put your game-winners on. Adams has proven that.”

“Same up front,” Ian McGeechan continued. “It needs freshening.

“Second row – Iain Henderson being around there. I agree on Tadhg Beirne coming in, so you have fresh legs.

“Momentum is with South Africa. The Lions have to get it back. Warren Gatland will look hard at the team he puts out next week.”

Given how well Maro Itoje has stood up in the first two Tests, Henderson could well come in for tour captain Alun Wyn Jones, who looked weary in the final stages of Saturday’s defeat. Beirne would, presumably, come in for Courtney Lawes, at blindside.

“The set-piece fell away in the second half in particular,” McGeechan added. “Lood de Jager coming on gave South Africa that extra edge with the line-out and with the scrummaging, and they were more accurate with the kicking game and the competition in the air. They had control of all the key areas.”

To that end, do not be surprised if Lions head coach Warren Gatland goes for six forwards on his bench too.

IAN MCGEECHAN’S LIONS XV

15. Liam Williams
14. Anthony Watson
13. Chris Harris
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Josh Adams
10. Dan Biggar
9. Conor Murray

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Iain Henderson
5. Maro Itoje/Alun Wyn Jones
6. Tadhg Beirne
7. Tom Curry
8. Jack Conan

Warren Gatland is expected to name his Lions’ match-day squad on Tuesday, August 3.

LISTEN TO HOUSE OF RUGBY’S LIONS SERIES: EPISODE 8

The FootballJOE quiz: Were you paying attention? – episode 10