British Excitement Builds

Great Britain assistant coaches Brian Noble and Graham Steadman are delighted with the Lions' preparations for the First Test of the Think! Road Safety Ashes Series. The Lions faced the England A side in an 'opposed session' at Salford on Wednesday morning as they step up their training ahead of Saturday's Ashes opener.

And Noble can sense the anticipation within the squad as they look to end a 30-year wait for a Test Series win over Australia.

"They have had some good practice this morning and are really taking on board what they want to do," said Noble. "They are excited."

Captain Andy Farrell is gradually stepping back into training after a knee injury, while Paul Sculthorpe's recovery from a calf problem is 'very promising'.

Warrington prop Paul Wood has made a 'miraculous recovery' from the tricep injury he suffered against New Zealand A last Wednesday, and is now in contention for a place in the side.

"Andy Farrell's taken part in most of the practices," added Noble. "Scully hasn't, but he is making good progress and Paul Wood has taken part in every practice - he is fit and raring to go."

With David Waite planning to name his squad for the First Test on Thursday, Sculthorpe will be subjected to a fitness test ahead of that decision to assess his fitness.

One of Waite's dilemmas centres upon the left wing berth, with David Hodgson, Lee Gilmour and Gareth Ellis possible selections.

"It would be fair to say we've looked at a couple of things," added Noble. "There were a few positions up for grabs in our minds at the beginning of the week, so it is important that we make the right selection."

England A joined their senior counterparts as part of their own preparations for Sunday's European Nations Cup battle with Wales at Headingley.

"We had a quality session against England A," said Steadman. "They were very enthusiastic and it was a very good exercise for us.

"We worked on our offensive structure and did a bit of defensive work, but most importantly out of back-field.

"We have certainly got to be respectful of ball in hand coming out from our own try line and, if very can get a quality kicking game in order, we can cause them some problems because we have the offensive threat in which to do that."