Fans voice concern for Sir Ian McGeechan during Lions broadcast

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The 78-year-old legend was seen standing for extended periods on the broadcast, prompting fan Steve Crighton to post directly to Sky Sports on X:

“@SkySports @lionsofficial can someone please make sure Sir Ian Mcgeechan isn’t standing too long for the next game please!?!? Not looking comfortable. #lions”

Another fan wrote: "I hope Sky Sports don't make McGeechan stand this much every week,"

Thankfully, there was reassuring news off the pitch. Speaking to Will Greenwood during the live coverage of the Argentina clash last week, McGeechan confirmed he has received a positive update following his battle with prostate cancer.

“All good, thank you, the treatment has worked. Fine,” said the Scot, prompting host Alex Payne to add: “So glad to hear that Geech has had the all clear.”

McGeechan first revealed his diagnosis in a Telegraph Sport interview last month, explaining he had completed six weeks of radiotherapy and was awaiting results. The outpouring of support since has been immense, with messages flooding in from across the rugby world.

Arguably the greatest figure in Lions history, McGeechan toured as a player in 1974 and 1977 before masterminding four tours as head coach – in 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2009 – as well as serving on the 2005 coaching team.

Still immersed in the game, he’s currently coaching at Doncaster Knights, continuing an incredible 50-plus year rugby journey.

Here are four Lions who failed to fire, with scores and quotes from the top rugby outlets.

RUCK 5 | RugbyPass 6 | Express 5

RUCK: “He really struggled up against the Forces’ pace to the game and gave away some silly penalties in and around the breakdown.”

RugbyPass: “Busy in the tight but appeared to be on the wrong side of Ben O’Keeffe’s whistle early on, giving away two breakdown penalties.”

Express: “Needless penalties in first half before being replaced in second.”

Beirne’s move to the back row didn’t pay off. He looked off-rhythm early and conceded costly penalties that gave the Force momentum. Not the kind of calm leadership expected from such an experienced Lion. Discipline will be non-negotiable in the Tests — and Beirne knows it.

RUCK 5 | Planet Rugby 5 | Telegraph 4

RUCK: “Really struggled under the pressure at the scrum... a passenger struggling with the Forces’ physicality.”

Planet Rugby: “Struggled in the scrums but was busy around the park.”

Telegraph: "The Force put the Lions scrum under serious pressure which leaves his position vulnerable after Ellis Genge’s strong performance last week."

Schoeman found the going tough up front, especially in the first half. He offered his usual work rate in loose play, but the Force repeatedly got the better of him at the scrum — and that pressure filtered through the Lions' entire pack. Didn't show the presence he had against Argentina.

RUCK 5 | Planet Rugby 5 | Telegraph 4

RUCK: “Struggled in the physicality department… lost the battle at set piece and was on the back foot for the majority of the game.”

Planet Rugby: “Not nearly as dominant in the scrums as he was a week ago… managed to get through a decent amount of defence work.”

Telegraph: "Would have hoped for a more dominant performance against a converted loosehead in Tom Robertson. Got through a lot of tackles and some soft hands in phase play."

Another surprise dip. Furlong, usually a reliable anchor at the set piece, had an unusually shaky night. While his hands and defence were solid, the Lions needed dominance — not damage control — from the veteran tighthead. He’ll be under pressure to bounce back quickly.

RUCK 4 | RugbyPass 5.5 | Express 5 | Balls.ie 5

RUCK: “At the forefront of the Lions’ biggest Achilles heel, which was kick-off restarts… maybe played himself out of test contention.”

RugbyPass: “Failed to reclaim the restart… and the second-half kick-off too.”

Balls.ie: “Targeted for restarts and struggled there.”

Express: “Line-out worked but didn’t see much carrying.”

Telegraph: "An absolute disaster at the restarts where he was mercilessly targeted by the Force."

A frustrating night for the Scottish lock. Missed two restarts — one of which directly led to the Force’s only try — and gave away a soft penalty near his own line. Made plenty of tackles, but his aerial work and general impact left a lot to be desired. A golden opportunity missed.

12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?

From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?

Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.

? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?