Vickery ready for battle with The Beast
Vickery backed for repeat batle with Tendai "The Beast" Mtawarira
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Thursday, 02, Jul 2009 08:47
Phil Vickery has been backed to rise to the "psychological challenge" of scrummaging against Tendai "The Beast" Mtawarira.
The British and Irish Lions prop was put under immense pressure by his South African counterpart in the first Test and was substituted in the second half after being repeatedly penalised.
Welsh tight-head Adam Jones impressed against Mtawarira in the Lions' second Test defeat but after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the 28-25 loss has now left South Africa.
World Cup winner Vickery is expected to resume in the front row for the third and final Test on Saturday and has received a ringing endorsement from former England team-mate Graham Rowntree.
"I've no doubt if selected he'll go out there and give a good display," said the Lions scrum coach.
"'Vicks' is one of the strongest characters I have come across in the game, both as a fellow player and someone I have coached.
"It is going to be tough, let's not beat about the bush, because it was an uncomfortable day at the office in Durban, as he admits himself," Rowntree continued.
"But there is no-else out there with his strength of character. As an individual I have never come across anyone better."
Tim Payne and John Hayes are also possible replacements for Jones in the front row while the Lions will also make changes in the backs, with Brian O'Driscoll sent home after suffering a concussion in the second Test.