Rebels v Lions

[fleabane]

Manu and Bowe fit!

http://www.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/story ... a=chromium

[cidermark]

Glad for both - unfortunately I can't see Manu starting, but what an "impact" player to bring off the bench!!!

Bowe should be a shoe-in. Cuthbert played very well today, but there where a couple of times today where he didn't quite perform as well as Bowe might have done.

If nothing else this news will worry the Aussies - B.L.'s adding even more "thump" & pace

[Jimmy Skitz]

Manu has to be a better bench option for the tests them Maitland good to see him fit, I fear though he may not see a test side if Roberts gets fit too

[Bill W (2)]

Manu has to be a better bench option for the tests them Maitland good to see him fit, I fear though he may not see a test side if Roberts gets fit too

If fit, I think Manu guarranteed a either a start or a bench replacement spot in one of the next two tests.

Centre partnesrship not convincing today. Was it the first time they had met?

[drc_007]

Lions team: Rob Kearney, Sean Maitland, Manu Tuilagi, Brad Barritt, Simon Zebo, Owen Farrell, Conor Murray; Ryan Grant, Richard Hibbard, Dan Cole, Richie Gray, Geoff Parling, Dan Lydiate, Sean O'Brien, Toby Faletau

Parling captain!

"Gatland hailed Parling's influence in and around the camp and also welcomed back Tuilagi into the side. Gatland said: "I am very pleased for Geoff. For him to be part of a winning Lions Test side is very special and he has shown throughout the tour that he is one of the many leaders we have in the squad so we are looking forward to seeing him in that captaincy role."

Bowe still out.

Replacements: Rory Best, Mako Vunipola, Matt Stevens, Ian Evans, Justin Tipuric, Ben Youngs, Billy Twelvetrees, Stuart Hogg

[Col_B]

Great news for two Tigers this week, Geoff Parling who will Captain the Lions against the Rebels. And the return of Manu from injury.

Good luck fellas

http://tinyurl.com/k8q48vv

[BJ.]

As already reported here.

[fleabane]

This might strengthen the argument for Geoff to be the next Tigers captain!

It was obvious from the dressing room pictures that his post-match team talk was being paid great attention by all the other players, and we have seen him giving the talk to england teams too.

Let us hope he starts his captain career with the lions with a win!

[G.K]

Great for Geoff but I guess this will mean he won't be playing the second test.

[fleabane]

Luke Burgess returns, Delve captains Rebels:

http://www.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/story ... a=chromium

Very strong team!

[SimonP in Surrey]

Could be quite a game ... Most of these players could easily be in test 3 ... Given possible injuries and the fact that Lions will win test 2 (IMHO) ... I think test 2 will be brutal beyond belief with Lions sniffing 80 minutes to historic victory and Aussies backed in a corner (very very dangerous). There will be at least a couple of Lions injuries. Anyway it's important for the Tuesday team to win ... Good luck boys !!!!

[drc_007]

Great for Geoff but I guess this will mean he won't be playing the second test.

There is the need for those on the bench for the first test to maintain match fitness, I'm sure some will be in the test squad.

[fleabane]

Parling only played for 10 minutes on Saturday, and may only play for 60 on Tuesday, so still ok for bench on Saturday next, or even for a (less likely) start.

[tigerburnie]

If POCs'injury keeps him out, then Parling is a certain starter I would think.

[BJ.]

The latest from the Beeb says PO'C is on his way home with a fractured arm and Wor Geoff has been withdrawn from the Rebels match. No doubt he'll now be starting the second Test.