Gibbes in doubt for Lions match

Jono Gibbes

Carlos Spencer is a certainty for the first five-eighth spot in the New Zealand Maori rugby side to play the Lions next Saturday but there is doubt over captain Jono Gibbes' availability.

Gibbes suffered a foot injury in the Maori's 29-27 win over Fiji in Suva yesterday and coach Matt Te Pou said the injury would be assessed when the team arrived back home tomorrow.

"He'll have a scan when we get home. We're very keen to go through that process and hopefully see him through, so that's a bit of a concern," Te Pou told NZPA from Suva today.

"Jono's going to a 50-50 call, it's that serious.

"It'll will be a huge loss if we can't have him. He has a lot of respect, mana, in the team, he's our captain and very experienced."

The other injury worry for Te Pou, who named his 22 today, is Chiefs lock Sean Hohneck.

"He did not come to Fiji with us, his right elbow was infested. He didn't respond to any antibiotics or the drip, so they cut it through and that's cleared it. We've been told that he would be cleared to play contact at round about Monday-Tuesday morning," Te Pou said.

Spencer would be the team's No 10 if he comes through the Martin Johnson testimonial match for the Jonah Lomu 15 in London tomorrow morning (NZT), Te Pou indicated.

Hurricanes utility back Riki Flutey has been kept in the squad as the 23rd player in case Spencer is unavailable for any reason.

Flanker Wayne Ormond, who will lead his Bay of Plenty team against the Lions in Rotorua tonight, has also been selected.

Te Pou's squad have been boosted by Crusaders players Corey Flynn, Rico Gear, Caleb Ralph and Leon MacDonald -- who were all rested in Suva yesterday.

The 22 named today include 12 players with All Blacks experience, making the side perhaps the strongest New Zealand Maori team in the recent years.

"Certainly in my time since 1994-95," Te Pou said

NZ Maori squad

Backs: Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Neil Brew, Caleb Ralph, Rua Tipoki, Luke McAlister, David Hill, Carlos Spencer, Piri Weepu, Craig McGrath.

Forwards: Angus MacDonald, Marty Holah, Daniel Braid, Wayne Ormond, Jono Gibbes (captain), Ross Filipo, Sean Hohneck, Deacon Manu, Greg Feek, Carl Hayman, Corey Flynn, Scott Linklater.

- NZPA