O’Callaghan handed his
COACH Ian McGeechan insists his British Lions squad have reached the “business end” of their South African tour as they prepare for the first Test against the world champions on Saturday.
McGeechan has long maintained his final selection for the Durban clash will not be decided until after tonight’s tour match with the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth.
But although the general feeling is that the bulk of those involved tonight will not feature against South Africa, there are several players on view looking to impress for a final time.
One of those is Munster lock Donncha O’Callaghan, who takes the captain’s armband for the first time. He partners Simon Shaw in the second row, while Scottish duo Euan Murray and Ross Ford and England’s Andrew Sheridan complete a powerful tight five unit.
Wales wing Shane Williams has been named in the team but could miss out with a stomach bug. The IRB Player of the Year has not travelled with the squad and Ireland’s Tommy Bowe is on stand-by.
McGeechan said: “This is Test week and there is a noticeable change in attitude within the touring party. We are now heading towards the business end of the tour and the reason why we have come to South Africa.
“As you would expect the immediate focus is the next match against the Southern Kings before attention turns to selection for the First Test for which all players will be considered.”
LIONS XV vs SOUTHERN KINGS
Keith Earls, Shane Williams, Riki Flutey, Gordon D’Arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, James Hook, Mike Blair; Andrew Sheridan, Ross Ford, Euan Murray, Simon Shaw, Donncha O’Callaghan (capt), Nathan Hines, Joe Worsley, Andy Powell
Replacem
ents: Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Tom Croft, David Wallace, Harry Ellis, Ronan O’Gara, Ugo Monye