O'Callaghan to captain Lions

Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan has been given the honour of leading the British & Irish Lions against Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

Mon, 15 Jun, 2009 - 13:11

Ireland lock Donncha O'Callaghan has been given the honour of leading the British & Irish Lions against Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald and Gordon D'Arcy are also included in a clear sign that none of them will be considered for a starting position in the first test on Saturday.

Coach Ian McGeechan said: "This is Test week and there is a noticeable change in attitude within the touring party. We are now heading towards the business end of the tour and the reason why we have come to South Africa.

"As you would expect the immediate focus is the next match against the Southern Kings on Tuesday before attention turns to selection for the First Test for which all players will be considered."

"Seven players are backing up from the Western Province match with Nathan Hines, Joe Worsley, Riki Flutey and Keith Earls given the opportunity in the starting XV in different positions.

"The team will be captained by proud Munster man Donncha O'Callaghan, an experienced Lions tourist, who is a very popular member of the squad. This will be his tenth Lions match including two Tests against New Zealand during the 2005 tour."

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS (v Southern Kings):

15. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)

14. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)

13. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)

12. Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland)

11. Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland)

10. James Hook (Ospreys/Wales)

9. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)

8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

7. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)

6. Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland)

5. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland, captain)