It seems to be a feature of every lions tour that a random player not first-choice or even second-choice for their country emerges to claim a test spot. On this tour, there might well be a few. Here are three names to watch:<br />
<br />
Andrew Sheridan: The massive prop could get a test spot if he can boss the equally massive NZ Maori pack. Which would be unkind to the excellent Gethin Jenkins, but there you go. <br />
<br />
Simon Shaw: A last minute replacement for the unlucky O’Kelly, Shaw has the size and skill and the match tomorrow to impress Woodward. Last minute repacements have made the test team before – Corry did four years ago. Shaw needs to put his 2004 NZ red card behind him, so will be fired up. And apart from O’Connell, none of the other locks is really impressing that much.<br />
<br />
Andy Titterrell: I thought he did well against Taranake, and could yet play a part, especially if Steve Thompson has a throwing disaster. Neither Shane Byrne or Gordon Bulloch is a test cert.<br />
<br />
I know they are all English, but that’s because half the squad are.<br />
<br />
As for the tour, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic few weeks. Especially given my wide-screen TV and subscription to SkySports.
Leave a Reply