British and Irish Lions

Manu, whose mother is Fijian, has been named as the wild card selection in a 32-man party with Pivac admitting to the Waikato Times: "I would love to have Deacon Manu playing for Fiji.

"I have said that openly and I have been talking on the phone to get him for the last 12 months."

However, the Chiefs and Waikato forward's previous selection for the Maori - in the historic win over the British & Irish Lions in July - and appearances for the national colts and students XVs, could end Pivac's bid.

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

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.