Smith is the NFL players lead man in its current off the field battle with NFL owners.

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McGeechan, who as head coach appointed Johnson as skipper 12 years ago, believes O'Connell has similar qualities to the England legend and is the ideal man to lead the Lions, on and off the field.

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And like the adoring fans cheering on a college buddy playing lead guitar, a loud blast of applause so the man off stage.

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The anxiety increased as news came from White Hart Lane that another Gareth Bale wonder strike had given Tottenham a late 1-0 lead against 10-man Sunderland, who had David Vaughan sent off.

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Referee Steve Ganson let both players off with a lecture but showed the red card to the Wigan man moments later after he appeared to lead with the elbow going into a tackle by Yeaman.

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