Lions 2009 - Vickery gets Rowntree backing

Eurosport - Thu, 02 Jul 12:57:00 2009

Phil Vickery has been backed to cope with the "huge psychological challenge" of a prospective British and Irish Lions Test match return.

Phil Vickery - 2009 Lions 1st Test - 0

England forward Vickery (pictured) is on course to be reunited with Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira in Saturday's Test series finale against world champions South Africa at Ellis Park.

"I think it will be a huge psychological challenge if he (Vickery) starts the game, but one he is capable of overcoming," said Lions scrummaging specialist Graham Rowntree.

With Wales prop Adam Jones injured and out of the tour, Vickery is favourite to replace him when Lions head coach Ian McGeechan names his team later today.

The England World Cup winner suffered scrummaging torture during the first Test defeat in Durban 12 days ago, being mauled by Mtawarira before going off just five minutes into the second half.

Rowntree added: "He's a strong character, one of the strongest characters I have come across in the game, both as a fellow player and someone who I've coached.

"I've no doubt, and I will back the bloke on this, that he would get back out there and give a good performance, subject to selection.

"It's going to be tough. Let's not beat around the bush, it was an uncomfortable day in the office for Phil, by his own admittance and by my admittance.

"But there is no-one else out there with his strength of character as an individual. I've never come across anyone better, and I am backing that, if we choose to start with him on the weekend."

PA Sport

Comment 1 - 8 of 8

Sort comments by: Most recent

  1. We shall see. It is funny when the referee picked up on­ the "Beasts" scrummaging and made him push­ straight he was out scrummaged. With Vickery he pushed­ inwards time and time again. Penalties being given for­ lifting Vickery off the ground? Bloody dangerous. Come­ on Vickery!!

    From Rob G, on Thu 2 Jul 5:15PM

  2. BEEEEEEEAASSSSTT!

    From ruggers, on Thu 2 Jul 12:25PM

  3. what are they thinking even considering playing vickery­ again, play hayes!

    From the_josh_hl, on Thu 2 Jul 11:47AM

  4. its clear to see this is the last game of the tour and­ a test series that has already been lost otherwise­ there is no way they would throw vickery on the pitch.­ sadly, i think the lions are in for their biggest­ hiding of the three tests, missing too many vital­ players through injury and making do with make - shift­ players like vickery. i hope,at least that hayes will­ be there to help contend with the beast. lions ( and i­ am a lions fan ) to lose by 20 points !

    From P W, on Thu 2 Jul 11:22AM

  5. Gwan the bull!

    From Ads A, on Thu 2 Jul 11:04AM

  6. WELL WE LOST LAST WEEK AND HE WASNT ON THE PITCH!! GIVE­ THE BLOKE A BREAK

    From Louise P, on Thu 2 Jul 11:03AM

  7. Let the beast meet the bull hayes !

    From kevin, on Thu 2 Jul 10:20AM

  8. We are doomed, I tell you. Doomed!!!!!!!
    May as well go­ in with a packet of pork scratchings up front as­ Vickery.
    Doooooooooooooooooooomed!

    From jacob.waugh, on Thu 2 Jul 10:11AM
Sort comments by: Most recent

Not already a Yahoo! user ? to get a free Yahoo! Account