The Lions' Chances

The first Lions test is over and done. What has it told us? That the Englishmen in the front row are bad, and that Ugo Monye has no handling ability.

In the second test I would keep Gethin Jenkins, but replace Mears and Vickery with Rees and possibly Hayes. I might be partial to Hayes and Adam Jones is fantastic but, I am not so sure an all Welsh front row would work. The second row is still great and no changes should be made. I have the same to say about the back row, especially after Croft's fine display with two tries. Wallace and Heaslip were both very good.

Mike Phillips should keep his starting spot but I think James Hook should get a shot at the fly half spot. Ronan O'Gara is very good, and a personal favorite at fly half, but when he has been on the field during the tour, the Lions have been less than great. His kicking has been great though. I would keep Bowe on the wing but maybe switch Monye for Fitzgerald. The center pairing of Roberts and O'Driscoll is still golden, however. The two worked very well together. If Lee Byrne recovers from his foot injury, I would start him at fullback. Otherwise, Kearney is the best choice.

Overall, not too many changes should be made but a few definitely should be made, especially to the front row.

Test two has a better chance of producing a Lions' victory but I still can't see the Springboks losing. Not after their incredible defense and the Lions' show against the Emerging Boks yesterday. Springboks by less than a score.