Battling the Lions: Three of the best

BARRY JOHN
The playing mastermind behind the 1971 triumph in New Zealand. 

He was a genius of a player, quick in thought and deed and with a highly tuned rugby brain. He could attack at any time but essentially, he was supreme at controlling a game.  

Then there was his goal-kicking, which was one of the cornerstones of the team's success. 

Together with Gareth Edwards, he formed a partnership that became known the world over, for Cardiff, Wales and the 1971 Lions.  

WILLIE JOHN McBRIDE
Toured with the Lions in 1962, 1966, 1968, 1971 and 1974, winning 17 test caps in all. Then, he managed the 1983 Lions to New Zealand.  

Wonderfully competitive and powerful, he was as strong mentally as physically on the international field. 

The punch with which he flattened the great Colin Meads when young was not only immense but also brave.

Meads duly took his revenge but the New Zealander earned a lifelong respect for his foe.  

McBride's greatest hour was in leading the Lions to a series victory in South Africa in 1974, and he won 63 caps for Ireland.  

Above all, he understood the commitment and personal discipline required to win a test match or international series.

JPR WILLIAMS
He was another of the reasons why Wales dominated the era of the 1970s and why the Lions won successive test series in the southern hemisphere.  

Williams was a strong, fearless fullback who loved to join the attacking backline but also take on any opponent in the tackle.  

The shuddering impact with which he hit Jean Francois Gourdon as the French wing appeared set to score a crucial try in a Grand Slam decider at Cardiff in the 1970s, went down in history.  

He won 55 caps for Wales and eight for the Lions, helping Wales to an extraordinary three Grand Slams and six Triple Crowns.