Lions XV to face Otago

Graham Rowntree, Gordon Bulloch(captain), Matt Stevens, Simon Shaw, Donnacha O'Callaghan, Lewis Moody, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones, Chris Cusiter, Charlie Hodgson, Shane Williams, Gordon D'Arcy, Will Greenwood, Denis Hickie, Geordan Murphy

SUBS: Steve Thompson, Andy Sheridan, Danny Grewcock, Simon Easterby, Matt Dawson, Ollie Smith, Ronan O'Gara

slightly disappointed that SCW decided to put out a second XV for Otago.. except that disappointment quickly becomes hope.. c'mon Otago put this side away.. kick them in the rear.. and for the first time in the tour, Gethin Jenkins doesn't play.. a well earned break after 4 tough games..

Cusiter and Hodgson are thereabouts having been tipped to be behind the pecking order for a test jersey at the start of the tour.. Cusiter could be the bench no. 9 and Hodgson could just eck out Wilkinson or Stephen Jones.. always love watching Shane Williams' sidestep.. hopefully he may have more impact than he did against the Maori.. but it could be the same with Mapasua a great tackler..

Bulloch was quite reliable in the 1st test.. surprised he hasn't gotten more chances since.. but it's good to see him here, and as captain.. a huge pack to match up against what Otago may bring with Hoeft, McDonald and Dunlea.. okay the latter two aren't as well known as Oliver and Hayman but it's the Lions so should be strong..

of course word is on that loose forward battle between Newby, Blackie and Webb and Moody, Martyn Williams, and Ryan Jones.. all 6 have been form players, the former for the Highlanders and of coz the Welsh duo.. v keen to see how Ryan Jones, one of the sensations in the 6 Nations does against the New Zealand style of rucking..

is this the end for Martyn Williams? prob not.. he hasn't played badly, but he has shown to be much slower than the fast loose forwards we have in New Zealand.. in practice, Blackie and Newby are two openside flankers but Newby is at blindside for height, and Blackie apparently was ahead of McCaw at OBHS..

this will be tight.. tighter than the Wellington game.. can't wait..

Lions hunt? three Poms, who i had to horn coz they were blocking the road.. will go and search for more.. to be fair it was freakishly windy out there and they are coming from a place where it's mid-summer.. saw lots of Poms with their converted vans over the Peninsula.. there'll be plenty more i'm sure..