Fitzgerald: I've done all I can

Luke Fitzgerald claims he is “pretty relaxed” about possible British and Irish Lions Test selection after putting himself in the frame for Pretoria.

Lions boss Ian McGeechan and his coaching staff were today debating the line-up they hope can keep alive the Test series against world champions South Africa.

Defeat at Loftus Versfeld would leave the Lions counted out one game inside the distance.

They are also one loss away from suffering a record seven successive Test reversals on tour, having not won since beating Australia in Brisbane eight years ago.

Changes are expected following the Springboks’ 26-21 triumph in Durban four days ago, especially up front, where hooker Matthew Rees and prop Adam Jones are tipped for starts as part of an all-Welsh front-row alongside Gethin Jenkins.

Rees and Jones will face the considerable task of trying to tame “The Beast” - Springboks loosehead Tendai Mtawarira, whose demolition job on Phil Vickery built an imposing platform for South Africa’s success.

Corrective surgery is more likely in the pack than behind the scrum, although Fitzgerald and Shane Williams are putting pressure on England speedster Ugo Monye.

Monye’s impressive tour came off the rails slightly in Durban when he squandered two golden try-scoring opportunities.

One was denied by Springboks centre Jean de Villiers getting underneath Monye as he crossed the line, while substitute Morne Steyn dislodged the ball from his hand in pursuit of a second.

McGeechan must decide whether or not Monye deserves another chance, especially with Fitzgerald and Williams both pressing claims during last night’s weather-ruined draw against the Emerging Springboks at Newlands.

“From a personal perspective, I was pretty happy with my performance,” said Ireland Grand Slam winner Fitzgerald, whose father Des played for the Lions against the Rest of the World in Cardiff 23 years ago.

“It was a bit pressurised going into the game. You want to put yourself into contention for a Test spot on the weekend.

“You want to look hungry for work, and you are hungry for work, but it is important you don’t force things in those situations, especially given the weather conditions.

“I feel I’ve done the best I can. It’s up to the coaches now, and to be honest, it is a weight off my shoulders. I don’t have to think about it now - I’ve done the best I can.

“Whatever happens, happens now. You will be disappointed if you don’t get selected, but that’s life.

“I am pretty relaxed about the whole situation. I’m glad I got another opportunity before the Test match to show what I can do, and I feel like I gave a pretty good account of myself.

“I’ve been excited about being here with the Lions, and the only down-side was getting a chest infection during the first few weeks that kept me out of things for a while.

“I felt I had to do a little bit of catching up.”

Fitzgerald has already won the RBS 6 Nations title and Grand Slam with Ireland this season, in addition to helping Leinster being crowned European champions.

World player of the year Williams, meanwhile, has not hit the heights he attained in 2008 – but Test selection would end an otherwise disappointing season on a high.

“I came off the field relatively happy with my performance,” said the 32-year-old, following the Emerging Springboks clash.

“That’s all you can do, really. There is no point forcing it and looking for the ball too often in those conditions.

“I worked as hard as I possibly could, gave 100% and came off the field relatively happy.

“It was like playing with a bar of soap at times. We had to play territory rugby – the conditions didn’t suit a running game.”

Lions assistant coach Shaun Edwards welcomed the intense nature of last night’s encounter, believing it could benefit them in the second Test.

“It is a positive that if any of those guys are called into the Test team, they’ve had a really tough hit-out,” said Edwards.

“It was a tough game, and if any of them are included in the team they would be ready to go in a Test match. There is no better way to prepare for a tough game than by playing a tough game.”

Martyn Williams went down with a shoulder injury during the match but carried on, and Edwards is confident all those who played at Newlands will be available.

The Lions also hope that tour medical staff will clear prop Andrew Sheridan in time for training tomorrow. He has been suffering from a back strain.

And Lions scrummaging specialist Graham Rowntree is confident the pack will be ready for what South Africa can throw at them this weekend.

“We have had an honesty session,” he said. “We have trained as much as we can, and spirits are high.

“The guys are very positive from what we did later in the game last Saturday, but we have got to fix that set-piece.”