O’Callaghan presses Test claims

The British & Irish Lions could field an all-Munster combination in their second-row for Saturday's second Test against New Zealand in Wellington. [more]

Lions Australia Tour 2013

The British & Irish Lions could field an all-Munster combination in their second-row for Saturday’s second Test against New Zealand in Wellington.

Paul O’Connell looks likely to keep his place, despite the 21-3 first Test loss, but he could now be joined by Donncha O’Callaghan.

O’Callaghan did his cause no harm at all by helping the Lions destroy Manawatu 109-6, playing 40 minutes of the game at Palmerston North.

"We are happy with the performance," said O’Callaghan, knowing that Test selection is out of his hands.

"We took the game to them – we were ruthless."

Woodward is due to announce the Test side on Wednesday.

Lions coach Gareth Jenkins paid tribute to flanker Martin Corry, who played his second game in three days.

"Back-row was a dilemma for us," said Jenkins. "We had taken injuries, so we were limited.

"But we felt that Martin could stack-up, and his leadership qualities were important to us as well. He performed, and he impacted on the game."

Even Manawatu were able to enjoy the occasion, despite suffering the second-heaviest defeat in Lions history.

"Maybe we were a little bit overawed in the first-half, and it sure was a tough day," conceded Manawatu skipper Nathan Kemp.

"But the Lions were awesome. They initiated swapping jerseys in the changing room afterwards, and a couple of our boys also came in with shorts and socks as well!"

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