British and Irish Lions rugby coach Clive Woodward has lost faith in his first XV, that was trounced 21-3 by the All Blacks, and said on Monday there will be changes for the second Test.
Two whose positions appear in jeopardy are Jason Robinson and Neil Back, both of whom played in Saturday’s first Test and have been selected to play again against Manawatu on Tuesday.
Robinson was named at wing, while Back provides loose forward cover from the bench along with replacement squad member Brent Cockbain.
Woodward said his team for next Saturday’s second Test will not be finalised until after the Manawatu fixture and there will be changes beyond those forced by injury.
”Competition for Test places is now intense. There are players involved in Tuesdays match who will also be involved in the Test.
Obviously injuries, such as those to Brian ODriscoll and Richard Hill, will force us to make some changes, but there will be changes beyond that,” he said.
Welsh centre Gavin Henson, a surprise ommission from the first Test, was not considered for the Manawatu game because of a slight groin strain, but remained a strong contender for the second Test, a Lions media statement said.
Players not considered for the Manawatu game due to minor knocks from the first Test are Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel, Ben Kay and Gethin Jenkins.
Scottish hooker Gordon Bulloch captains the team on Tuesday. – Sapa-AFP