North Expected To Be Fit – Roberts, Tuilagi And Bowe Are Out

The British & Irish Loons have confirmed that they expect welsh winger George North to be fit for the first test against Australia at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.

North has been recovering from a hamstring strain, but he is expected to recover in time to face the Wallabies.

The news for the Lions other injured back line players is not quite so promising however with Jamie Roberts, Manu Tuilagi and Tommy Bowe set to miss out.

Roberts suffered a hamstring injury against NSW Waratahs on Saturday, Tuilagi is recovering from a shoulder injury and Bowe from a broken bone in the hand.  It was always expected that Bowe would miss out, but with the problems the Lions have at centre, it is disappointing that Jamie or Manu have not recovered sufficiently to make the first test match.

Lions coach Rob Howley confirmed North had passed a fitness test and said “George was up this morning bright and early and he came through a fitness test and I have never seen him in better shape”

“He is available for selection at the weekend and it is a huge fillip for us. We looked after him over the last week and I think it is a huge morale boost to have someone like George North fit for us.”

“He was involved in the Australia game last year on the [Wales] tour and I don’t think I have seen him in better physical shape and that is why we took the decision to get him 100 per cent physically right, and I am sure he is looking forward – if selected – to playing against Australia at the weekend.”