The thirty-year-old Ospreys forward, who made his international debut in 2003 played a key role in Wales’s Grand Slam win this year. The 6ft 9ins lineout expert has won twenty caps for Wales and will be looking to make his mark down under by pulling on a the famous red jersey for the Lions in the upcoming tests.
Grewcock was suspended for two months after he being cited for biting Kevin Mealamu during the first test. His removal from the squad adds to the Lions injury woes after a bruising first test. Injuries to Captain Brian O’Driscoll, Lawrence Dallaglio, Richard Hill and Tom Shanklin have limited Coach Sir Clive Woodward’s options as the under-fire Rugby World Cup winning coach seeks to regain pride following public disappointed following the first Test defeat to the All Blacks.
Woodward has indicated that Cockbain is unlikely to be considered for the second test in Wellington but if he shows some of his trademark form he could certainly play his way into contention for the third test. Cockbain played a crucial part in Wales’s impressive victories of the USA Eagles and Canada recently to extend Wales winning streak to eight games.
On the bench for tomorrow’s game against Manawatu, Cockbain will be hoping to impress Sir Clive Woodward and force his way into the squad for what could be a deciding game in Auckland on July 9th. Cockbain becomes the 50th player to be selected for for ther Lions touring party and the fifth replacement called to New Zealand to bolster the initial squad of forty-five players.
