Easterby not dallying on replacing Dallaglio
Simon Easterby openly admits that filling Lawrence Dallaglio’s boots is effectively an impossible task.
But the Ireland flanker has made a pretty good fist of it so far, and he could take a giant stride towards the Lions’ first Test 22 by starring against Otago at Carisbrook tomorrow.
Easterby has only been in New Zealand for less than a fortnight, answering the call to replace Dallaglio, who suffered serious ankle damage during the opening tour victory over Bay of Plenty.
But he won unstinting praise from Lions coach Andy Robinson following his midweek display against Wellington, and Lewis Moody’s knee injury means that he now starts for the second time in four days.
“It has been about getting used to calls and new systems, and taking my Ireland cap off and putting my Lions hat on,” said Easterby.
“It was a huge loss to the squad that Lawrence left. I came out here to replace him, but I certainly don’t intend to replace him because no-one probably could – he’s such a fantastic player and a fantastic guy.
“It would be very difficult to say I have come out here to fill his boots, because I haven’t, but I enjoyed the experience on Wednesday night, and tomorrow will be no different. Hopefully, we can do the same as we did against Wellington.”
Easterby is among several players in action tomorrow with serious designs on the Lions 22 to face New Zealand in Christchurch next week.
“I don’t think for one minute the Test side has been picked yet, so it has given those of us who are playing tomorrow a huge opportunity to show what we can do and push for that Test squad place,” he added.
“I am delighted to have another chance. It meant so much to pull on the jersey on Wednesday, and I consider myself fortunate that I’ve got another opportunity within a very short space of time.”
Easterby’s back-row colleague, Welsh international Martyn Williams, has achieved more than most in northern hemisphere rugby this year, given his status as Grand Slam winner and RBS 6 Nations player tournament.
But Williams’ hopes of completing a stunning treble and becoming a Test Lion, could hinge on him emerging unscathed from a potentially perilous 80-minute experience in New Zealand rugby’s “House of Pain”.
Williams’ Test ambitions go on the line against a fired-up Otago side, having witnessed a superb display from England World Cup winner Neil Back – his main rival for the Test number seven shirt – during Wednesday’s victory over Wellington.
“In terms of the first Test, it is the last chance tomorrow – Clive more or less told us that today,” said Williams.
“Neil Back is a world-class player, and Lewis (Moody) has played well in the games he had. There are a lot of boys who have only played one game, if any, so you have got to feel for those guys.
“A lot of us are getting a second chance to try and prove to ourselves, as much as anyone else, that we can play. I will be amazed though, if the starting XV for the first Test is the same that plays in the third Test. Through injuries and form, things change.
"You can’t afford to go off tour because things can happen at the last minute, so you gave got to be professional and keep going,” added Williams.
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