Lions flanker Simon Easterby has insisted he will concentrate on his own strengths after being called up to replace the injured Lawrence Dallaglio. Dallaglio, regarded as a pivotal player for the Lions, was in supreme form, but Easterby said he would not try to copy the World Cup winner's style of play.
"Lawrence is a one-off. I want to bring something of my own to the tour and make a positive impact," said Easterby.
"I haven't come here just to make up the numbers."
Dallaglio's ankle injury against the Bay of Plenty - the Lions' first match in New Zealand - meant Easterby had to organise a late change of flight at Shannon Airport.
The 6ft 3in 29-year-old had been waiting to board a flight to Japan with Ireland for their summer tour when the call from the Lions management came through.
"When they told me, I was at the airport and it was a mad rush to change things around and I got fined 2,000 yen for deserting the (Irish) boys," he said.
"I was hopeful I might be in the frame were someone to get injured, but I wasn't expecting the call. "I was disappointed not to make the tour initially."
Easterby arrived in Auckland to link up with his new Lions team-mates on Monday, but the tour - which finishes on 9 July - has meant his fianc�e Sarra has been left to take care of all their wedding plans.
But the call-up does ensure Easterby will follow in the footsteps of future father-in-law Elgan Rees, the Wales wing who toured with the Lions in 1977 and 1980.
Meanwhile, Scotland flanker Jason White admitted he was disappointed to have been overlooked as Dallaglio's replacement.
White - who plans to stay in training in case of further injuries - said a cast on a thumb injury would not have prevented him from playing.
"I am disappointed but I still have a cast on my thumb and wires in," said White.
"The wires are due to come out on Thursday after which I'll be able to take contact but I could have had them out today to enable me to travel.
"I honestly don't know if the thumb was the reason that Woodward opted for Easterby but I am going to keep training and keep fit anyway.
"There are some big hits going in on this tour and injuries obviously happen."
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I am going to keep training and keep fit anyway