Bulloch to stake Test claim at Bay of Plenty

IN A Lions’ world post-Keith Wood, Gordon Bulloch recognises that Saturday’s tour opener against Bay of Plenty is his chance to make a claim for the Test hooking spot.

Bulloch is the senior of the four hookers in the touring party, with 75 Scotland caps and a Lions tour to Australia in 2001 to his name. Yet he faces a stiff challenge for a shirt previously worn with distinction by Ireland’s former inspirational captain.

The quietly spoken Scotsman, who turned 30 last February, flew out to Australia as a replacement for Phil Greening but was forced to watch from the sidelines as Wood made the position his own for the second tour in succession.