Simon Shaw is the only survivor from The Lions squad which toured South Africa in 1997 so he has an important role to play.
The Wasps lock is 35 now but proved at the tail end of this year’s RBS 6 Nations that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Indeed, the Lions management are of the opinion that his recall to the England starting XV was a very important factor in Martin Johnson’s men finishing their campaign so strongly.
A giant of a man, Shaw should prove a dominant force in the line-out but he also has plenty to offer in the loose.
As in 1997 and 2001, in New Zealand, Shaw may find his appearances restricted to the midweek side but, as he demonstrated during the 2007 World Cup, he is more than capable of rising to the occasion and proving the doubters wrong.
Name: Simon Shaw
Age: 35
Country: England
Club/Province/Region: London Wasps
International Caps: 52
Points: 10 (2 tries)
Lions Record: South Africa 1997, New Zealand 2005
Caps: 12 (0 Tests)
Points: 5 points (1 try)
2009 Tour Stats:
Caps: 1
Points: 0
Test XV prospects: Started the Tour opener against Royal XV but failed to lay down an early marker, effectively ending his hopes of starting against The Boks as a result. Even a place on the bench looks beyond him at this stage.