Rugby: Vickery is 'Beast' man for the job

Published on Thursday 2 July 2009 10:09

PHIL VICKERY has been backed to cope with the "huge psychological challenge" of a prospective British and Irish Lions Test match return.

England forward Vickery is on course to be reunited with Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira in Saturday's Test series finale against world champions South Africa at Ellis Park.

With Wales prop Adam Jones injured and out of the tour, Vickery is favourite to replace him when Lions head coach Ian McGeechan names his team later today.

The England World Cup winner suffered scrummaging torture during the first Test defeat in Durban 12 days ago, being mauled by Mtawarira before going off just five minutes into the second half.

"I think it will be a huge psychological challenge if he (Vickery) starts the game, but one he is capable of overcoming," said Lions scrummaging specialist Graham Rowntree.

"He's a strong character, one of the strongest characters I have come across in the game, both as a fellow player and someone who I've coached.

"I've no doubt, and I will back the bloke on this, that he would get back out there and give a good performance, subject to selection. It's going to be tough. Let's not beat around the bush."