Dallaglio still confident of Lions test series win

Injured British and Irish Lions loose forward Lawrence Dallaglio is confident they can win the test series against New Zealand after the way the side played in the opening 20 minutes against Bay of Plenty on Saturday.

"I still think it was a great start to the tour and one of the best wins ever in an opening game by the Lions," Dallaglio said yesterday after the 34-20 weekend victory in Rotorua.

"There were real signs of the potential in this squad and each game is building towards the test series.

"England won here after 30 years of trying in 2003 and that proved it is possible and there aren't many bigger things in rugby than to be remembered as having been part of a Lions tour that won a series in New Zealand."

The number eight was inspirational as the Lions raced to a 17-0 lead before he broke a bone in his right leg and dislocated his ankle in a tackle after just 20 minutes.

Dallaglio, who had to be carried off, had surgery to repair the fracture on Sunday and will be out until at least October.

The Lions play Taranaki in New Plymouth today, the second match of their 11-game tour, but Dallaglio said he did not expect a pattern of the team's play to emerge until after they face New Zealand Maori in Hamilton on Saturday.

The Maori have been given first call on players for the game which, though unofficial, is considered to be a fourth test match for the visitors. The Lions face New Zealand in the first of three tests on June 25 at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.