Bowe cements Lions Test spot

TOMMY BOWE admits his career has “really rocketed” as the British and Irish Lions prepare to launch him at world champions South Africa.

Less than two years after failing to make Ireland’s World Cup squad, Bowe is in the form of his life. He is a cast-iron certainty for the Lions’ first Test team against the Springboks next Saturday, having scored four tries in three games and also proved a devastating midfield game-breaker.

Bowe’s ability to rove off his wing and enhance the Lions’ attacking armoury could not have been better illustrated by his starring role on a blustery afternoon beneath Table Mountain on Saturday. The 25-year-old claimed one touchdown and memorably broke three tackles to set up another for his probable Test strike-partner Ugo Monye.

“I am playing with confidence,” he said. “When I get the ball I am feeling happy to take defenders on and play my own game. I am enjoying my rugby. I’ve had a good season, I’ve got myself into a bit of form.

“Things have really rocketed in the last year. To be in a position where I am hopefully in contention for the first Test is something I have always dreamed of. But I can’t take anything for granted.”

If the Lions are to stun South Africa in Durban, they must win individual battles all over the pitch. And there is hardly a more mouth watering contest ahead than the one between Ireland Grand Slam winner Bowe and Springboks try machine Bryan Habana.

“For me to be here seems very special,” added Bowe. “It’s the pinnacle of any rugby player’s career, so if you didn’t enjoy it there would be something wrong. We’ve been playing with a lot of different combinations, and it is a case of getting everything correct for Saturday. We’re underdogs, and that’s what we want to be. I think if people write us off, they will get a shock.”

Western Province coach Alistair Coetzee believes the Lions will push South Africa to the limit in the three-match series.

Coetzee says he has identified strengths in the Lions team he didn’t believe possible.

“This Lions team has been improving every week, and it has to be remembered that the opposition has got stronger as the tour has progressed. I’m not sure about the Springboks, because we haven’t seen them play, but the Lions have got better; they’re up for it physically and have looked very composed under pressure. I think it’s going to be one hell of a Test series, for sure. For instance, it will be very interesting how the Springboks cope with what is a very strong Lions set-piece base.”

Western Province captain Luke Watson was in an even better position to assess the tourists: “They’re certainly one of the best teams I’ve ever played against. Their lines of communication are good; they knew what they were doing, certainly knew what they wanted to do; most of the time they got to do it and there wasn’t much chance of us stopping it from happening.

“They brought a different type of physicality to the game, something we haven’t had much experience of. They will certainly be physical enough to take on the Boks, and they’re a pretty intelligent lot as well. The biggest problem for the Springboks will be to get around the Lions’ rush-defence. It’s a difficult system to cope with; once they put the tackles in, it’s very, very hard to break down.”

Former Springbok hero Bobby Skinstad was equally encouraging for the Lions. “It’s true to say we haven’t seen or heard of the Boks for a while, so it’s difficult for us to assess them. But the Lions have shown good physical attributes and good mental strength in working through difficult circumstances on this tour. I’m also sure they’re holding back something; there is no doubt that with a guy like Ian McGeechan in charge they would not have shown the Boks all they are capable of.

“Undoubtedly, they will have worked on specific moves behind closed doors; they will be prepared to use them only when they’re ready to use them. I think it has all the makings of being a very exciting Test series.”

Ireland’s Tommy Bowe certainly hopes so, and looks certain to be involved as well. He’s also banking on the Springboks underestimating the touring side. “That’s what we want, for us to be going in as underdogs. I think we’re good enough to win this series; there is a hugely positive mood in the camp right through the party, from players to management to back room staff.”

The Lions road-show moves on to Port Elizabeth today to prepare for a clash with the Southern Kings, a team from the Eastern Cape with designs on winning a Super 15 franchise.