Phillips up to the nines

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Phillips makes a full debut for the tourists in Wednesday night's clash against the Golden Lions at Ellis Park. He follows a line of illustrious Wales number nines to join the best of British and Irish - players such as Gareth Edwards, Robert Jones and Terry Holmes. And the 6ft 3in Ospreys star - a firm favourite to start the Springboks Test series later this month - is relishing his opportunity.

"It is a huge honour to be added to this list," he said. "I have a lot to live up to, but hopefully I will be remembered one day. It is unbelievable - an amazing honour. I can't wait for the game and be out there playing with some great players."

Lions boss Ian McGeechan has made 12 changes against a team that mainly struggled in this season's Super 14, but finished the competition strongly and can call on some proven game-breakers.

The touring Lions, though, should have benefited considerably from another few days' training at altitude.

"We know we have to perform," added Phillips. "The first couple of games are always going to be a bit tricky as we bed in and start to get to know each other. There is great spirit in the camp, but we need to transfer that onto the pitch."

Lions assistant coach and defence specialist Shaun Edwards has urged the Lions to "put a marker down".

Edwards would have winced at the defensive errors that contributed towards an unfancied Royal XV, drawn from second-tier South African rugby, scoring three tries against the tourists last Saturday.

"We had put a lot of work into last Saturday, and the first half went a bit pear-shaped, as the saying goes," said Edwards. "We've worked pretty hard on certain aspects of our defence, and we need to be on the money on Wednesday night. Letting three tries in, you are not going to win a Test series against the Springboks.

"When the players go out on the pitch they are an extension of me. If they miss a tackle or make an error, I am out there with them, not in body, but in spirit."