Bowe braced for Boks battle

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Less than two years after failing to make Ireland's World Cup squad, Bowe is in the form of his life.

"I am playing with confidence at the moment," he said. "When I get the ball I am feeling happy to take defenders on and play my own game."

He is a cast-iron certainty for the Lions' first Test team against the Springboks next Saturday, having scored four tries in three games and also proved a devastating midfield game-breaker.

Bowe's ability to rove off his wing and enhance the Lions' attacking armoury could not have been better illustrated by his starring role on a blustery afternoon beneath Table Mountain.

The 25-year-old claimed one touchdown and memorably broke three tackles to set up another for his probable Test strike-partner Ugo Monye.

While substitute James Hook's nerveless late long-range penalty clinched a 26-23 verdict for the Lions against Western Province, his fellow Osprey Bowe - more than anyone else - had set up the possibility of a fifth successive tour win.

"I am enjoying my rugby. I've had a good season, I've got myself into a bit of form and I am enjoying myself playing in Wales," Bowe added.

"Things have really rocketed in the last year. To be in a position where I am hopefully in contention for the first Test is something I have always dreamed of.

"I can't take anything for granted. The (Test) team is going to be picked on Tuesday, and fingers crossed I've done enough to get myself in there."