HENDO AND LAWES IN THE FRAME
RUGBY UNION: LIONS TOUR Duo show they’re up to the Test
IAIN HENDERSON and Courtney Lawes played themselves into contention for the second Test after they starred in a thrilling draw in Wellington.
Three days on from the humbling defeat to the All Blacks, the Lions’ second-rows caught the eye but the tourists allowed a 14-point lead to slip and Henderson will be kicking himself after he was sin-binned late on.
Head coach Warren Gatland was willing to forgive him, though, after the Irishman put in a storming performance alongside the towering Lawes.
The Lions boss said: “Those two guys had really strong games to give us some real food for thought.
“Courtney played really well. He was strong in the line-out, carried and defended well.
Crucial
“Iain is probably disappointed with himself – that yellow card was crucial – but he carried extremely well and that was a big positive.
“Second-row is a position we knew right from the start that we had a lot of strength in. There’s a toss-up in terms of selection.
“We’ll meet on Wednesday night and select the side then tell the players on Thursday.”
With Maro Itoje set to be promoted into Saturday’s starting line-up, there could now be a complete change in the second-row, unless Gatland decides to use Lawes in the back-row.
The England ace, who was withdrawn after 54 minutes yesterday, said: “I went out there and did everything I could.
“It’s not up to me any more. I played fairly well and I’m looking forward to it if I get a run-out.
“I feel confident if I do get called up. I’ll lay it on the line, like I always do.”
A Tommy Seymour double and George North try had put the Lions in control. But, down to 14 men, they shipped two late tries against the Super Rugby champions.
Robbie Henshaw’s shoulder injury saw North move into the centre from the wing.
It is likely to have ended any hope of the Welshman forcing his way in.