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Simon Shaw
Focus: Simon Shaw has his eye on the final test to end a glittering career

I've got my start but I want to finish off Boks, says Shaw

Chris Jones
25 Jun 2009


Simon Shaw will not be happy with just winning one Lions Test cap after waiting 12 years to get his hands on a coveted jersey.

The Wasps second-row has already targeted next week's final match with the Springboks for what would be a glorious finale to a glittering career.

"There is another Test match after this one," he said after being selected for Saturday's second match of the series in Pretoria.

"I don't want this to be about just getting the shirt, the next step is winning and taking the series to a decider in Johannesburg."

Shaw admitted that he was overjoyed to be selected to play alongside skipper Paul O'Connell against the Boks, 12 years after he first toured the country with the Lions.

Then, he was not part of the team that won the series 2-1 after Ireland's Jeremy Davidson edged Shaw out of the final selection.

And, four years ago, he was part of the midweek team as Sir Clive Woodward saw his side hammered 3-0 in New Zealand.

He added: "In 1997, I probably took things more for granted and having that complacency on the Lions tour cost me dearly and, the fact it has taken me until now to be able to win a Test cap, means a lot.

"Having played in the 2007 World Cup Final for England against South Africa, I set myself the target of making the Lions tour and putting myself into contention for the Tests and to have made it is extremely gratifying."

Shaw's selection was sealed when Scotland's Nathan Hines was handed a one-week ban for an illegal tackle in the 13-13 draw with the Emerging Springboks on Tuesday.

He came on as a replacement in that match and said: "I thought I had done enough coming off the bench and making an impact."

Shaw will be joined in a new front-five by Welsh pair Adam Jones and Matthew Rees, who have replaced Phil Vickery and Lee Mears.

Tendai 'the Beast' Mtawarira gave the Lions pack a torrid time in Durban, leading to Vickery being substituted at half time.

When asked what Vickery said to him about starting against the Beast, Jones smiled and revealed: "Vicks told me to make sure I stuffed him!

"It has to be an eight-man effort and I believe we can build on our second-half performance last weekend."

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It's a sad fact for the Guinness Premiership that only 4 of the 22 British Lions selected today to face the World Champions playin that league while the rest, 18, play in the Magners League. And selected a 36 year old English lock could rebound very badly.

- Keith Price, Luton, England, 25/06/2009 17:02
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