Sir Ian McGeechan Thinks A Certain Irish Bolter Could Start In The Lions Test Team

Legendary Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan  thinks Jared Payne could surprise everyone and end up in the Test line-up against the All Blacks.

The Ireland and Ulster utility back was a surprise call-up to the squad when it was announced last month and McGeechan thinks Payne could surprise us all again by ending up in the Lions Test team next month.

He reckons Payne’s reading of the game, his incredible work ethic and his defence could all work hugely in his favour. The New Zealand born star has been praised for his defensive work by his Ireland teammates earlier this year, branding him the ‘defensive leader’ of the backline. His absence throughout the Six Nations was hugely noticeable.

“You can’t get away from the fact that defence wins championships and defence wins test matches.” McGeehan said.

“The key moments, and New Zealand are good at that as well, at not giving points away when they could, that sometimes makes the difference, which is why they won in Dublin after losing in Chicago.”