Lions must put down a marker now

WITH THE crucial opening test against South Africa in Durban looming large on the horizon, the Lions management are ready to move into phase two of this tour.

As promised, all available players have been offered a start in the opening three games in order to press their claims for test inclusion. From tonight’s game onwards, the emphasis will be on completing the blanks in the test line-up and developing a strategy for beating the Springboks.

The side taking the field against the Sharks this evening has a distinct Test feel about it while a few players have been offered a further opportunity of grabbing a jersey. In that context, Ronan O’Gara and Luke Fitzgerald have a lot at stake. At least O’Gara is being afforded the chance of playing with test certainty Mike Phillips at half-back in a bid to hold off the challenge of Stephen Jones.