APART FROM wing Ieuan Evans, who has been ruled out of the tour because of a torn groin muscle, the Lions selectors have decided to stand by the team that won the first Test last Saturday for the second Test at King's Park here in Durban tomorrow.

As was anticipated Evans' place will be taken by John Bentley. But there is no place in the team for Ireland number eight Eric Miller, an original choice last week but ruled out by an untimely attack of influenza. Tim Rodber retains the number eight position in a team that includes the three Irishmen who served the cause so splendidly in the first Test, Keith Wood, Paul Wallace and Jeremy Davidson.

Miller was, understandably, very disappointed, but there is a measure of compensation as he has been named among the six replacements. "I would be less than honest were I not to say that I am disappointed," said Miller, who yet again had an outstanding match in the 52-30 win over Free State in Bloemfontein on Tuesday night.

Even allowing for the win in the first Test and that Rodber played well, the decision to leave Miller out was, according to Lions manager Frank Cotton, a very difficult one. "Even though we won the Test, it was a difficult selection. There were four or five places over which we agonised," said Cotton. "Yes, the number eight berth was one of those areas and Eric like a few other players is unlucky. It is especially disappointing for him as he had been chosen for the first Test."

Miller said: "I knew irrespective of how well I might have played on Tuesday that I faced a very hard task to get into the team. I understood that. Tim played very well last Saturday and when he got his chance he took it."

Miller had his doubts on Wednesday that he would make it and confirmation that he had riot came when the players were informed of the team when each received a letter under their bedroom doors at 8 a.m. yesterday. The team was officially announced yesterday afternoon. "I am pleased to get into the 21," said Miller.

The replacement panel consists of four forwards and only two backs, the half backs Mike Catt and Austin Healey. Miller is joined by Neil Back, Jason Leonard and Barry Williams among the four forwards.

It could be that Miller or indeed others will make an appearance during the match. On that issue Lions coach Ian McGeechan said: "When you are selecting a side now you select 21 bearing uppermost in mind that tactical substitutions are now part of the game. That is exactly what we have done.

The replacement panel shows two changes from the six who sat on the bench in the first Test. Miller comes in for Rob Wainwright while Back is in for Bentley.

"One of the reasons this tour is a success is the tremendous spirit in the squad," said Cotton. "I think that was demonstrated very clearly last Tuesday night. There was absolute delight among the players who were not involved against the Free State at the performance, even though some of them knew that it could put pressure on them to retain their Test places. There is no sulking and no petulance in this squad."

Bentley's selection is a tremendous achievement for the 32-year-old Newcastle rugby union and Halifax rugby league player. He is still attached to both clubs. He is one of the great characters in the squad. He was very emotional about his selection yesterday. He will now have the great distinction of having played for Britain in rugby league and Britain and Ireland in rugby union, a double Lion.

After winning two caps for England in 1988, against Ireland and Australia, he turned to rugby league. "When I went to league I said to myself well that is that, the end for me as a union player," he said. "But then came the dramatic changes that have enabled me to get back. I was delighted when I was chosen for the Lions tour and my attitude was I will give it a real go. It has been an unbelievable privilege to be part of this squad."

Earlier this week he was informed that he has been called into the England squad for the match against Australia in Sydney tomorrow fortnight. Now comes Test selection for the Lions. "It has been quite a few days for me. The match in Bloemfontein went well for me, but physically and mentally it has been a tiring few days. The flight up to Bloemfontein, a few hours before the match, the match itself and the flight back that night. But I will be well rested and ready in every respect for the Test.

"Sporting rivalry does not come any bigger than playing for the Lions against South Africa on their own ground with a Test series win the prize," said Bentley.

Both Lions and Springboks had closed sessions yesterday. By coincidence a player from each side had to make visits to the dentist. Jeremy Davidson took his place in the dentist's chair yesterday afternoon. Springboks centre Danie van Schalkwyk had a more stressful problem. He was hit by severe toothache.