The British and Irish Lions are set to go into their second Test against the Wallabies without Jamie Roberts as the barnstorming centre still battles a hamstring injury.
Lions coach Warren Gatland hoped to have the Welshman available for the Melbourne Test match on Saturday night after he missed their opening two-point win over Australia.
But their classy 35-0 win over the Melbourne Rebels was soured with news that Roberts and prop Alex Corbisiero (calf) are likely to join Irish lock Paul O’Connell (broken arm) on the sidelines.
“They’re struggling a little bit,” Gatland said of the first two.
“Both of them should be fine for the third Test.”
Jonathan Davies, who took Roberts’ place for the first Test in Brisbane, is likely to keep his jersey although there’s pressure from Manu Tuilagi.
In his first match back since injuring his shoulder injury two weeks ago against Queensland, tackle-busting Tuilagi proved a handful for the Rebels defence and was key to their second try.
Buoyed by their big victory over the Melbourne Rebels, the Lions hope to carry their winning momentum into Saturday’s second Test at Etihad Stadium.
Gatland said it was important the mid-week team rebounded well after they were beaten by the Brumbies last Tuesday night – their first loss to a provincial Australian team since 1971.
He thought the five-try performance was a good response and he was particularly pleased with their “spirit”.
“That really came out,” Gatland said.
“It showed how good these guys have been both on and off the field and I think that was demonstrated tonight with the spirit that was displayed, not conceding any points.”
Gatland gave his players extra incentive against the Rebels, saying places in the Test line-up were far from settled.
“There was a message to the players to go out there and be a part of the 22 for Saturday, or even part of the starting 15.”
Flanker Dan Lydiate, who led the Lions, said that showed in their performance.
“It was a massive chance for us with places still open for the weekend so the boys were really chomping at the bit,” he said.
“You could really feel the intensity.”
