Lions greatest XV: Ian Mclauchlan (1971-1974) – loosehead
Cain says: “McLauchlan, who was dubbed ‘Mighty Mouse’, used his outstanding technique to expose any weakness in the opposing front row. He was the first choice loose head in all eight Tests, losing just once.
“McLauchlan’s tight head partner in the 1974 Tests against the Springboks was Fran Cotton, and it is the lantern-jawed Englishman who is my next choice.
“With Cotton in the No.1 shirt alongside Peter Wheeler and the Graham Price, the tourists’ front row crushed the 1977 All Black scrum, at one stage forcing them into the indignity of looking for a quick heel by packing down with only their three front rowers.
“Since then David Sole and Tom Smith have continued the tradition of formidable Scottish loose heads. Smith defied the odds against the monster South African pack to help The Lions to another triumph in 1997, when, despite being a stone lighter and much shorter than Springbok tight head Adrian Garvey, he ensured the tourists did not give an inch.”
Smith’s case is also championed by former England loose head Jeff Probyn, who says:
“When thinking of The Lions loose heads you are almost spoiled for choice from the legends of Cotton and Jason Leonard to the workman- like Welshman Mike Griffiths and Ireland‘s Phil Orr, but for me the one who stands out is Scotsman Tom Smith.”
Probyn explains: “Tom’s first Lions series against South Africa in 1997 sticks in my memory. Although slightly underrated by most because of his size, 5ft 10 ins and 16 stone (similar to me) Tom’s skill enabled him to dominate his opposition. Given the importance the Boks attach to the scrum that completely undermined their confidence giving The Lions the platform to win the series.
“Although Tom’s second series in Australia ended in defeat, he again gave a solid performance not just in the scrums but in open play much to the disgust of the front row union!”
Bobby Windsor, The Lions hooker who tangled with all the mighty beasts of the jungle in his day, has no hesitation in picking England’s Fran Cotton.
As far as ‘The Duke’ is concerned, it’s a no-contest – Cotton first, McLauchlan second and the rest, well a long way behind. “Fran had something the rest didn’t have – size and power,” Windsor says. “Those two things put him in a class of his own.”
Windsor also retains an admiration for McLauchlan, his brother-in-arms during the undefeated Tour of South Africa in 1974. “‘The Mouse’ was right up there but he didn’t have Frannie’s physical strength,” Windsor says.
Springbok captain John Smit rates Phil Vickery highest among his Lions’ contemporaries. He says: “In 2009, I came up against Phil and although he was at the end of his career he was still a phenomenal talent. Everyone he has played against considers him one of the toughest opponents they have come across.”
Also mentioned: Tom Smith, Phil Vickery, Fran Cotton
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