British and Irish Lions centre Manu Tuilagi is hoping that his performance against the Melbourne Rebels warrants him a place in the side to face Australia at the weekend.
The Leicester Tigers man returned from two weeks out with a shoulder injury to put in a promising display in the tourists' 35-0 win over the Rebels at AAMI Park on Tuesday.
Despite Brian O'Driscoll and Jonathan Davies forming an impressing partnership against the men in gold in the opening Test, Tuilagi is confident that he can earn his spot for the second Test with the Wallabies.
"I think a lot of us felt it was the last chance for all the lads that didn't play last Saturday to hold their hands up and do their best for the coaches. We will see if we figure on Saturday," said Tuilagi. "We left everything out there, and at the end of the day that is all you can ask or hope for.
"If I get the call for Saturday, I will be ready - there is no question about that. I feel as though I am back to where I was before the injury, so there's no doubt I am ready to go if selected.We just wanted to go out there and play some good rugby, get the offloading game going and try to keep the tempo up. The most important thing was to get the win and continue the momentum from last weekend.
"The shoulder felt really good. There are no issues. I was straight into it with the contact. I feel good. I just wanted the game to go on. Saturday is another game and everyone is desperate to be involved. I am no different. I want to play in the Test matches."
The Lions face Australia in the second Test on Saturday.
Matt Cotton
