O'Connell can put down a marker

PAUL O'CONNELL will get to use the new lineout calls written on the back of his hand when the British & Irish Lions open their tour of New Zealand against Bay Of Plenty on Saturday.

The Munster lock is one of three Irishmen, alongside captain Brian O'Driscoll and fly-half Ronan O'Gara, named yesterday in a powerful Lions outfit which signals coach Clive Woodward's intent to launch this 11-match tour in the strongest possible fashion.

"Because it's the first game, Bay Of Plenty will want to give us a very tough match and we have selected a strong side who will give us a good start to the tour," Woodward said.