Rugby: Mike hailed a Lions king

Published on Wednesday 4 March 2009 09:13

MODEST Mike Blair has shrugged aside a call from a former England internationalist for him to be named captain of the British and Irish Lions in South Africa this summer.

The nomination comes from ex-stand off Stuart Barnes, who says: "Imagine how good Mike Blair would be in a red (Lions] shirt behind a pack winning quick ball and with a coaching regime that wants him to play his natural quick-witted and darting game.

"On the front foot he's as sharp an operator as the Lions possess, save for that magician out wide, Shane Williams.

"If the Lions are to win the series it will take a dollop of genius... The dollop of genius might just be the Scottish scrum half and he would be my man to lead the Lions."

A former Lion himself Barnes has made the transformation from pitch to commentary box as an analyst with Sky television, though it is in Rugby World magazine that he notes: "Blair has the class, the form and the brain to test South Africa."

While recognising that there have been traumas for Scotland behind a disrupted pack so far in this Six Nations Barnes adds, in a reference to the Welsh captaincy: "Blair would be my choice to lead the Lions but, if I was to bet, (Ryan] Jones would draw my money from my pocket."

As far as Blair is concerned though, upcoming duties with Scotland are dominating his thoughts. "All I am looking to do for the time being is be as much help as possible to Scotland in our two remaining championship games at home to Ireland on Saturday week followed by the trip to face England at Twickenham."

So far as Ireland are concerned, Blair, speaking at the extension of Bell Lawrie's sponsorship of the Scottish Schools rugby cup until 2012 under the re-branded name of Brewin Dolphin, believes inspiration can be taken from the fact the men in green were beaten 31-21 on their last visit, albeit that was a world cup warm up which contrasts with their seven successive championship wins in the fixture.

"Our last meeting in Edinburgh means victory can be achieved over Ireland."

Of course Blair is the only member of the Scots back-line that day to start last weekend's record 26-6 win over Italy and of the five forwards who kicked-off Allan Jacobsen has already been ruled out with a shoulder injury which will mean up to four months sidelined.

"Chunk's game has really come on in the last year which has seen him work really hard on his fitness to get around the pitch.

"Losing him is a blow to the team but Ally Dickinson did well when he came on and hopefully we have guys who can step up."