Australia winger Digby Ioane has handed head coach Robbie Deans a huge boost by declaring himself fit for the opening Test of the series against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was a major doubt for the first clash between the Lions and the Wallabies after undergoing knee surgery to clear up damaged cartilage just a month ago.
However, Ioane has insisted that he is ready to play against the tourists and is raring to go.
"It's feeling good, I'll be ready for this weekend," Ioane said. "I just had to do the little things first to get it right but now I'm right to go. All I have to do is just get picked for this weekend.
"I've been in this situation before against the All Blacks - I think it was in 2010 when I did my shoulder.
"I didn't play a game all year and that was my first game, so I'm not too worried about it."
The Lions face the Brumbies on Tuesday before meeting Australia on Saturday.
Written by
Matt Cotton
Matt Cotton
