British and Irish Lions

Ben Cohen's chances of making a late bid for the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand have been boosted after it was confirmed he will make his comeback on Friday night.

Cohen returns from a month on the sidelines when his club Northampton tackle European Cup quarter-final opponents Toulouse in France.

England wing Cohen has been selected at outside centre for Saints' daunting mission against the twice European champions.

He has not played since suffering a fractured cheekbone during the IRB Tsunami Aid game at Twickenham, but now returns instead of Andy Vilk to forge a midfield partnership alongside Marc Stcherbina.

But, after missing out on the recent Six Nations, Cohen will have his work cut out to impress Lions boss Sir Clive Woodward who is set to name his squad on April 11.

Fellow Lions hopefuls, England hooker Steve Thompson and Scotland prop Tom Smith, return to the Northampton pack for the game.

Less than 24 hours after losing their unbeaten record in Canberra, the British & Irish Lions were given a huge boost on arrival in Brisbane when Wales wing George North was declared fit to play in the first Test on Saturday.

Qantas Wallaby wonder scrum half Will Genia is ready to torment the British & Irish Lions and end any hopes of a first Test series win in 16 years this month.