Secret props society has history at its heart

SCHOEMAN: WE'RE LIKE GLADIATORS

- From Adam Hathaway in Sydney

PIERRE SCHOEMAN has been inspired by past deeds of Scottish front-rowers on the British & Irish Lions tour.

The South Africa-born Scotland international is being driven on by the exploits of the lateTom Smith, a hero in 1997 and 2001, and “Mighty Mouse” Ian McLauchlan, below, a legend of 1971 and 1974, who died last month at 83.

Loosehead prop Schoeman said: “Tom is close to my heart because he has played for Scotland as well and I have sat on the same seat as him at Murrayfield which I have been honoured and blessed by. We have to deliver physically and mentally and create the same aura of a Lions player.

“We have focused on the history and legacy of the Lions — delivering in those key moments. That’s what the jersey demands of us as loosehead props, like Mighty Mouse.”