Woodward calls in big guns for ‘fourth test’

NOW we’re getting serious. British and Irish Lions head coach Clive Woodward underlined the view that tomorrow’s meeting in Hamilton with New Zealand Maori is the unofficial fourth test of this 2005 series by naming his strongest side to date yesterday.

Having overcome stiff challenges against Bay Of Plenty and Taranaki in the last seven days, Woodward has rolled out some of his big guns and mouth-watering combinations to take on what he has called the Lions’ most intense challenge so far at the Waikato Stadium (8.10am).

Ireland and Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll again leads the side, this time reforming his midfield partnership with compatriot Gordon D’Arcy at centre, while Stephen Jones of Wales debuts at fly-half alongside scrum-half Matt Dawson of England. Ronan O’Gara is named on the bench as Jones’ back-up, meaning Jonny Wilkinson is again kept under wraps.