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'Midweek Lions' remain hopeful of Test berth
Mick Cleary in Cape Town
June 16, 2009 - 9:55AM
STILL they believe, still they grasp at the straw that tells them that there is a possibility that they might make the Test team even though the side announced to play the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth this afternoon gives clear notice of Ian McGeechan's thinking.
Andrew Sheridan is asked to play his second game in three days, effectively teeing up Gethin Jenkins for the loose head spot, while the presence of Nathan Hines, Simon Shaw and captain for the day Donncha O'Callaghan would point to Alun-Wyn Jones being in pole position to partner Paul O'Connell.
But McGeechan is steadfast, upholding the credo that the selectors might yet be swayed. As with all good preachers, his congregation have the faith, and why wouldn't they when the head coach could cite the example of Irish lock Jeremy Davidson as one who came with a late, late run in 1997 to claim the shirt despite playing on the Tuesday before the first Test.
And no wonder Shaw continues to believe in McGeechan's mantra, for it was he who lost out 12 years ago, the England lock being expected to pack down alongside Martin Johnson. He partnered the '97 captain in all the lead-in Saturday matches only for Davidson to trump him at the last.
Could that happen again? In theory, yes, for that is what McGeechan told the squad when he revealed the line-up to them yesterday in Cape Town before departure for Port Elizabeth. The fact that for the first and only time on the trip the party splits, with the front-runners for the Test side heading straight to Durban, means that McGeechan has to offer solace as well as hope.
There is no scepticism in Shaw's mind. "Yes, I do believe in what they're saying, 100 per cent," said Shaw, the oldest member of the party at 35. He is no mug, though, recognising that he is tilting for a place in the match-day 22 rather than in the run-on XV. Even so, if he were to get the nod after missing out in 1997, then it would top any of his achievements, including playing in the 2007 World Cup final. "I'm probably looking at bench cover as best option but knowing the coaches, a huge performance could still change minds.
"If so, it would be more special than anything else. You learn to appreciate these things more as you get older, to savour the experience."
Shaw has improved markedly after a stuttering opening, and did terrifically well last week against the Sharks when replacing O'Connell for the last quarter. On Saturday, though, he felt under so much pressure to impress that he took one of the most heinously ill-advised quick throw-ins that resulted in Ugo Monye getting flattened inside the Lions' 22.
"Yes, you can end up doing things you don't normally do," said Shaw, who draws parallels between this touring party and their victorious predecessors in South Africa 12 years ago. "That sort of togetherness is there and the ability to grind out wins when not playing well."
While Shaw is intent on furthering his own cause today, his prime focus will be on protecting the unbeaten record. "Earlier in my career, I failed to grasp the impact that these matches could have on a squad," he said. "That's our responsibility now."
His second-row partner, O'Callaghan, was visibly moved when being told that he was to lead out the Lions.
"I was taken aback," said O'Callaghan, a Test Lion in 2005, and one who makes light of the demands of turning out so soon after Saturday's hard-fought encounter at Newlands. "It's old-school stuff and great for that. It takes you out of your comfort zone. I'm sure that when the Test team is known that you won't have guys sulking and throwing their toys out of the pram."
The likes of Shaw, Hines, O'Callaghan, props Sheridan and Euan Murray as well as fly-half James Hook, are still living the dream.
They believe they have a chance, and that will surely be enough to ensure victory this afternoon. However, there is some concern in the Lions camp about a stomach bug which could rule out wing Shane Williams. Tommy Bowe will travel as cover to Port Elizabeth.
The problem also prevented manager Gerald Davies from travelling on Monday. Both have been isolated back in Cape Town.
London Telegraph
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