The battle for test places is hotting up as the Lions take on Queensland Reds on Saturday, with three Irishmen named in the team. Rob Henderson, who scored three tries in yesterday's 83-point win over the Queensland Presidents' XV, will partner Brian O'Driscoll in the centre, while Keith Wood has been named as hooker.
England stars Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson will both make their first appearances on the tour, having been rested for the opening two matches. Lions coach Graham Henry has claimed that Johnson will "give us an extra edge". The Leicester and England skipper will lead a test strength side, having been rested for the first two landslide victories on the Australian tour.
"Martin's appearance is a bonus for us at this stage of the tour, he will give us an extra edge. He wanted to play earlier in the trip, but we thought it was important he had some time off," said Henry.
Johnson, the only Lions captain appointed for two different tours, is ready for a probable early meeting with the Reds' World Cup-winning John Eales. Wallabies skipper Eales is likely to play some part in the game, despite a recent Achilles' tendon niggle, as Super 12 semi-finalists Queensland aim for a famous scalp.
"It has been difficult watching games from the stand, but that is the same feeling for any player.
"I was advised that I would be rested after the Heineken Cup and Premiership play-off finals, which were both tough matches, and I could see the reasoning for it.
"Queensland are going to provide us with a step up in terms of opposition, and we have got to be ready.
"They are a very organised team who reached the Super 12 semi-finals. There will be numerous internationals playing, a lot of guys with a lot of experience," said Johnson.
Austin Healey will start on the bench for the third time in a row, despite his impressive tour performances. Injury worries Robin McBryde and Mike Catt are both expected to be fit for the game with Australia A next Tuesday, when Lawrence Dallaglio is expected to play his first tour game.
Lions (versus Queensland Reds, Saturday): I Balshaw (Bath and England), D James (Bridgend and Wales), B O'Driscoll (Leinster and Ireland), R Henderson (Munster and Ireland), D Luger (Harlequins and England), J Wilkinson (Newcastle and England), R Howley (Cardiff and Wales), T Smith (Northampton and Scotland), K Wood (Harlequins and Ireland), P Vickery (Gloucester and England), M Johnson (Leicester and England, capt), D Grewcock (Bath and England), R Hill (Saracens and England), N Back (Leicester and England), S Quinnell (Llanelli and Wales)
Replacements: J Leonard (Harlequins and England), G Bulloch (Glasgow and Scotland), M Corry (Leicester and England), C Charvis (Swansea and Wales), M Dawson (Northampton and England), A Healey (Leicester and England), J Robinson (Sale and England)
Reds (probable): N Williams; R Nalatu, D Herbert, S Kefu, J Pelesasa; E Flatley, S Cordingley; N Stiles, M Foley, G Panoho, J Eales, N Sharpe, M Cockbain, D Croft, T Kefu.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
