Three Blues make Lions

By Andrew Collins
June 20 2009

Three of the six initial Blues Lions have been selected for Saturdays first Test match against South Africa. With Tom Shanklin withdrawing prior to the tour, and Leigh Halfpenny leaving the squad after just one match, the inclusion of three Blues boys will be great news for Cardiff fans.

In the forwards, Gethin Jenkins starts, as he didfor all three Tests in New Zealand four year ago. Jenks has been in exceptionalform this season, and his has continued to play with such enthusiasm andcommitment since arriving in the Southern hemisphere.

Before the tour left, Wales and Lions coach, ShaunEdwards, said of the magnificent prop,

In Gethin Jenkins you probablyhave the best all-round prop in world rugby. He's got good hands, he's in yourface and he's a battler and tackler, as likely as a centre or a wing to lead akick chase. I never thought I'd see a more active prop than Craig Dowd butthat's what Jenkins has become."

So much for the tough decision between him andSheridan!

Then, in the backs, Jamie Roberts completes anincredible year having only been moved to centre as an experiment 12 monthsago, he now starts alongside Brian O'Driscoll in what promices to be amouth-watering midfield partnership.

"It's goingto be the most physical game I have played - Jean de Villiers and Adi Jacobsare world-class players in their own right.

"It is going to be a newlevel for us all, but I don't think we are afraid of it - we are all lookingforward to it."

Meanwhile, Lions Head Coach, Ian McGeechan, admittedhe's been highly impressed with the young Welshman;

"Brian andJamie have built up a good partnership and they play well off each other. In agame when you are going to come under Test match pressure, you're hoping theywill build on the understanding they have shown as it is certainly apartnership we've been pleased with."

This will beJamie's first Lion's test cap, and he will run out on Saturday as the youngestman in the squad.

Finally, flankerMartyn Williams has earned himself a bench spot despite missing two gamesthrough injury. The ‘Nugget' was beaten to a starting birth by Ireland's DavidWallace, but the Welshman is bound to feature as the game opens up.

Andy Powell isthe only of 4 remaining Blues to miss out on a Test spot, but he has impressedin recent weeks, especially against the Southern Kings, where he was undoubtedlya stand out performer.

Congratulationsto Geth, Jamie and Martyn from theArmsPark.co.uk, and best of luck for win inSaturday's first test!