McGeechan: Lions must fight as a pack

Lions coach Ian McGeechan believes off-field interaction could be just as important as on-field training as he bids to mastermind a series triumph over world champions South Africa.

McGeechan unveiled his touring party on Tuesday as the countdown to the trip began in earnest, with 14 Irishmen, 13 Wales players, eight England internationals and two Scots making up the 37-man squad.

"They have to share each other's company socially. They have to get to know each other because, in the end, if you've got a mate next you, you don't want to let him down," McGeechan told Matt Dawson on Radio Five Live.

"That only happens when you know the player and you know the man and I think that's what makes the Lions special," he added.

"I personally went through that and I try hard to get it over to the players I coach. When you go through that, it's with you forever."

In the chastening 2005 tour, led by former England coach Sir Clive Woodward, players roomed alone and were swamped by a huge backroom presence.

McGeechan, who was in charge of the midweek team four years ago, appears unwilling to repeat those mistakes and is instead eager for his players to forge close personal bonds. Indeed, the Scot believes strong friendships could be central to a successful campaign against the Springboks.

McGeechan also believes the uniquely challenging experience of touring South Africa makes the strength of the off-field unit all the more important.

"More than anywhere, the environment is different," said the Wasps director of rugby. "The rugby culture is so strong and physical, the grounds are different, the fans are different and it's very, very intense.

"When you go into that for six weeks, you have to live in that environment, train in that environment and play in that environment. When you've not had the best of games, you need a strong group of players to come back to. You can't go home and regroup, you regroup with your fellow players."