Wood should be fit for test

Lions hooker Keith Wood is expected to be fit for next Saturday's first Test against Australia in Brisbane.

Lions hooker Keith Wood is expected to be fit for next Saturday's first Test against Australia in Brisbane.

The Ireland captain, a key part of coach Graham Henry's Test plans, has been suffering from a problem with his left knee.

But Wood has reported much better movement today, and the Lions medical staff expect him to be available for the weekend.

Fly-half Ronan O'Gara, who required eight stitches after he was punched repeatedly by New South Wales full-back Duncan McRae on Saturday, will be among the replacements for tomorrow's clash against New South Wales Country.

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Swelling beneath O'Gara's left eye is receding, and he will have padding on it tomorrow. However, he is only likely to be used off the bench in a last resort.

Ireland flanker David Wallace and England hooker Dorian West, meanwhile, are racing to be with the Lions in time for tomorrow's game.

Wallace has been called up to take over from injured England star Lawrence Dallaglio, while West has been summoned as cover for Wood and Robin McBryde, who has a thigh problem.

Both Wallace and West have been named on the bench, although they won't arrive in Sydney until some eight hours before kick-off and must then make a connecting flight to Coffs Harbour, which is scheduled to land just after breakfast-time.

Lenihan tonight confirmed the full replacements' bench, which comprises West, Wallace, Darren Morris, Scott Murray, O'Gara, Matt Dawson and Matt Perry.

Wallace was with the Ireland squad at a training camp in Poland when he received his call-up, while West, having recently completed a successful England tour of North America, was on a family holiday in Spain.

PA