Northampton Saints - News : Gareth Thomas backed Wally for vice-captain's role

29 June 2005, 12:27 pm

Gareth Thomas backed Wally for vice-captain's role

Ready to help Gareth Thomas point the Lions in the right direction

Northampton Saints hooker Steve Thompson has revealed replacement Lions captain Gareth Thomas backed him for Saturday's vice-captaincy role against the All Blacks. Wally will start his first test for the Lions on Saturday, in what is being billed as a must-win game for both teams.

Thompson spoke to http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/ after the team was announced in the early hours of this morning in New Zealand. Sir Clive Woodward's new-look Lions included many changes to the team that was beaten by the All Blacks last Saturday, a game in which Thompson came on as a replacement.

Of the first test, Thompson said: "It was really cold. I have never been so cold in my life as I was last week. I was warming up the whole time but I just could not feel my hands. Daws (Matt Dawson) went on and tried to talk and couldn't, and you know how Daws likes to talk!

"The game was all over by the time I went on. We could not realistically get all those points back. But I though the lineout went well when I went on.

"Everyone was really angry and disappointed after the game, but the good thing about a test series is that you have to turn around straight away and get on with it because you have have got a test the next week.

"We were all disappointed for Brian (O'Driscoll). He basically led the Lions for 40 seconds in a test match. But we have got to get on with it."

The captain's role was swiftly handed to Wales and Toulouse winger Thomas, who will play at outside centre this weekend, and according to Wally is "an awesome replacement" for O'Driscoll.

The starting hooker place has also been bestowed on Thompson, who is relishing the chance to try to get one back on the All Blacks,

"After last week, it's almost better to be in the team this weekend. We want a bit of revenge and they are the kind of games like."

Thompson has also been given the honour of being the vice-captain for this test.

"Gareth Thomas backed me to do it. I am really looking forward to it. But to be honest, there's not a lot to do. Everyone has got so much international experience so it is made really easy."

He added: "The All Blacks have got massive pressure on them now to win this weekend. The New Zealand public expect it. We will be completely written off. However, there is pressure for us too, but this new team will be a good fresh start."