Greenwood hails 'fantastic' Easterby

Will Greenwood tonight hailed the “fantastic impact” Irish flanker Simon Easterby has had on the Lions’ New Zealand tour.

Easterby backed up his outstanding display against Wellington on Wednesday with another high-class effort in the 30-19 victory over Otago at Carisbrook today.

He was only drafted into the starting XV yesterday when Lewis Moody withdrew due to a knee injury, yet he showed no signs of fatigue and shone in a Lions pack that dominated the game.

“Simon has had a fantastic impact on the tour,” said centre Greenwood, one of the Lions’ three try-scorers during an impressive performance at Carisbrook.

“He was fantastic on Wednesday, and after what was a physically exhausting game against Wellington, Simon stepped up again.

“He is a top man, and he fully deserves to be out here, shoving his hand up for next Saturday.”

The Lions will return to their Christchurch base tomorrow.