Lions and Maori have plenty to prove

AUCKLAND - Several Lions players have the opportunity against NZ Maori tonight to prove to coach Clive Woodward they are capable of playing the tests against the All Blacks.

While Woodward has repeatedly said he still has time to determine his line-up for the first test in Christchurch on June 25, the side chosen for the fixture in Hamilton has a hint of test-strength about it, even is he would deny it.

"We have not picked the test team," Woodward told reporters. "We're going game by game and this selection is just for this match.

"Out of the three first fixtures this is the toughest game we will have.

"We still have three games to go in terms of planning for the first test but I am delighted with the position the Lions are in. Our number one priority is to get the test selection right."

The formidable English front row of Andy Sheridan, Steve Thompson and Julian White, the heaviest ever fielded by the Lions, should line up against the All Blacks.

Paul O'Connell seems a certainty at lock as does Richard Hill at blindside flanker, while openside Martyn Williams would be unlucky to lose out to Neil Back, who is suspended until Wednesday's match against Wellington.

While much of the focus has been on the Lions, the New Zealand Maori also have plenty to play for.

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In the 10 years between 1994 and 2004 they lost just four of their 26 games and beat many of the world's top international sides including Argentina and England.

The New Zealand Rugby Union also gave their match against the Lions priority over the All Blacks test against Fiji on Friday and coach Matt Te Pou had first call on All Blacks players.

Te Pou named 11 players in the 22 who have been in All Blacks squads, with eight starting against the Lions.

"Everyone is telling me it's the strongest Maori side for a long, long time," Woodward said. "They have all their test players available and to me that's fantastic. That makes the fixture even better."

The Maori are also playing for positions in a 26-man All Blacks squad to be named on Sunday for the Lions series with players like Leon Macdonald, Carl Hayman, Jono Gibbes, Marty Holah and Rico Gear all in contention.

The Lions have never lost to the Maori in seven previous matches, though in 1993 a fired-up Norm Hewitt, inspired an incredible forward effort only for Lions captain Gavin Hastings to single-handedly drag his side to a 24-20 victory.

That history is not lost on Maori hooker Corey Flynn.

"We've got a lot to play for. We've got a chance at changing history and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to knock over the Lions," Flynn told NZPA.

"The last couple of times the Maori have played them, they've been ahead but haven't been able to knock them over. We're just going to give it our all."

- REUTERS