Lions assistant coach Gareth Jenkins insists there are still Test places up for grabs against Manawatu on Tuesday. It was expected that those named in the midweek Lions side would automatically miss out on facing New Zealand.
But after being outplayed in the first Test, the policy has changed and Jenkins says places are still open.
"There are half a dozen players, at least, playing against Manawatu who could end up playing Test match rugby on Saturday," Jenkins said.
Prior to the first Test, head coach Sir Clive Woodward said those involved against Southland would not be considered for the first Test, which the Lions lost 21-3.
The apparent demotion of Jason Robinson and Martin Corry from last Saturday's Test side to the midweek team suggested they would be dropped from the second Test in Wellington.
But it now appears that the England pair - and others - have an opportunity to redeem themselves in Palmerston North, although Corry himself says he is resigned to missing out.
"Some people have got to prove that they are able to perform, they've not been as dynamic as we liked to have thought they could have been on Saturday," Jenkins added.
"There's definitely selection considerations around their performances tomorrow (Tuesday), but there are other people as well.
"If you look at the front row and the second row - as well as a couple of backs who are playing on Tuesday - they are all strong candidates if they can put big performances in."
The disintegration of the Lions line-out, which lost 10 of their own throws against the All Blacks, means selection for hookers and locks has been thrown wide open.
With Ben Kay misfiring and his replacement, Danny Grewcock, banned for two months for biting All Black hooker Keven Mealamu, the likes of Ireland's Donncha O'Callaghan and Simon Shaw have a big opportunity against Manawatu.
Wales lock Brent Cockbain goes straight onto the bench after getting his call-up to replace Grewcock.
The Australian-born player's arrival in New Zealand was delayed after he forgot to take his passport to the airport, but Cockbain is now safely in the Lions camp.
Manawatu: Frank Bryant; Bevan Gray, Jason Campbell, Matt Oldridge, Johnny Leota; Graham Smith, Jonathan Hargreaves; Sam Moore, Nathan Kemp (capt), Keni Barrett, Tim Faleafaga, Paul Rodgers, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bradnock, Bryan Matenga.
Replacements: Simon Easton, Isaac Cook, Paula Maisiri, Chris Moke, David Palu, Nick Buckley, Ben Trew.
Lions: Geordan Murphy (Ire); Jason Robinson (Eng), Ollie Smith (Eng), Gordon D'Arcy (Ire), Shane Williams (Wal); Charlie Hodgson (Eng), Chris Cusiter (Sco); Andy Sheridan (Eng), Gordon Bulloch (capt, Sco), John Hayes (Ire), Simon Shaw (Eng), Donncha O'Callaghan (Ire), Martin Corry (Eng), Martyn Williams (Wal), Michael Owen (Wal).
Replacements: Andy Titterrell (Eng), Matt Stevens (Eng), Brent Cockbain (Wal), Neil Back (Eng), Gareth Cooper (Wal), Ronan O'Gara (Ire); Mark Cueto (Eng).
Referee: Lyndon Bray.
MMIX
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They are all strong candidates if they can put big performances in
