British and Irish Lions

Two of the leading contenders for the Lions No9 berth next summer did their selection chances no harm as they both turned in man-of-the-match performances at the weekend.

Edinburgh's Mike Blair and Danny Care of Harlequins were in superb form as their club sides secured impressive wins over Castres and Ulster on Saturday.

Blair, who has recently been re-appointed as Scotland captain claimed Edinburgh's only try in a 13-6 victory in France, while England Elite Player Squad member Care was also on the scoresheet during a comprehensive 42-21 win at The Stoop.

Care has been one of the stand-out performers during the early stages of the 2008/09 season and has been tipped by many to win his third international cap when England face the Pacific Islanders at Twickenham on November 8.

The 21-year-old hadn't even made his professional debut the last time the Lions went on tour three years ago but he is already pushing his claims for a place in Ian McGeechan's 35-man squad to take on South Africa.

Blair experienced Lions disappointment in 2005 when he missed out on selection for the tour to New Zealand as Sir Clive Woodward opted to take his countryman Chris Cusiter, Welshmen Dwayne Peel and Gareth Cooper and England's Matt Dawson.

Having become only the ninth Welshman to pick up a Heineken Cup winners medal, Gethin Jenkins is now getting ready for his next challenge - holding on to his British & Irish Lions Test spot.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.