Ford earns Lions call-up

Scotland's Ross Ford has been added to the British and Irish Lions squad for this summer's tour of South Africa.The hooker was picked ahead of Rory Best to replace Jerry Flannery, after the latter was ruled out through injury.Ford, 25, has made 30 appearances for his country and head coach Ian McGeechan described him as a "terrific player".He will be vying with England's Lee Mears and Matthew Rees of Wales for the number two shirt and is one of just four Scots included in the tour party.Despite a string of injuries and the suspension of Alan Quinlan having affected his plans, McGeechan remarked: "We are focused on moving forward, concentrating on the task at hand and the first match."A replacement has not yet been named for Leigh Halfpenny, who is set to miss the start of the trip due to a thigh problem.The Lions are currently 13/5 outsiders for the three-Test series with Totesport, while the world champion Springboks are given odds of 2/5 by Boyle Sports.

Written By:- Simon (About our Authors)
Posted on:- 22/05/2009 - 20:22 PM
Filed in:- Sports Betting News