Robinson and Thomas finally join up with Lions

Jason Robinson, seen here playing for England against the All Blacks, has belatedly joined the Lions party. File picture / Mark Mitchell

A couple of key Lions have finally arrived in New Zealand, still confident they can push for selection in the first test.

Wales skipper Gareth Thomas and England wing Jason Robinson have joined up with the squad. Thomas arrived late due to club commitments in France while Robinson had stayed back with his heavily pregnant wife.

But Robinson believes the late arrival will not affect his test chances. He said it would be nice to have a couple of games under his belt, but there are still plenty of opportunities to push for a test spot ahead of the first showdown with the All Blacks.

Thomas said it was a relief to finally be in New Zealand and stressed his match fitness is good as he has been playing club rugby until last weekend.

He said he is ready to walk on to the field as soon as the coach gives him the call.

The pair will not see any game time until next week.

Thomas said he looked forward to playing alongside some amazing players who would normally be his opposition.

Robinson said he had made the right decision as his family commitments were very important, but now he was eager to get stuck into some rugby.

He said that apart from training and shaking off jet lag over the next couple of days, he was keen to catch up with his old league mate, Inga Tuigamala.

Their arrival comes just ahead of Wales number eight Michael Owen heading back to the UK for two days on Sunday to see his pregnant wife.

The Lions play NZ Maori in Hamilton tomorrow night.

- NEWSTALK ZB