Dallaglio optimistic about Lions' chances
May 26, 2001

England backrow Lawrence Dallaglio is increasingly optimistic that he will overcome his knee injury and make it on to the Lions' tour to Australia.

Graham Henry's squad are due to fly out for a three Test series on June 1
and with barely a week to go the Wasps captain reckons he has done all he can
to make sure he's on the plane.

"Although I'm not in the business of making any predictions, I know I have
given myself every chance of being on the plane to Australia," Dallaglio told
rugbyicons.com on Saturday.

Former England captain Dallaglio injured his knee in Wasps play-off
semi-final defeat by Bath three weeks ago. Initially there were concerns that
the forward had suffered cruciate damage which would have ruled him out of the tour completely.

However, further tests showed the problem was not that serious although
Wales coach Henry will want hard evidence of Dallaglio's fitness for what is likely to be just as tough a trip as the Lions tour of South Africa four years ago.

"The good news is that I've been lifting more and more weight with my knee as the week has gone on and I've been running further and further, which is a positive sign with this sort of knee injury," said Dallaglio.

"I haven't been given any details about a formal fitness test and I believe it is just a case of wait and see after I link-up with the Lions management and their medical team.

"It is important they have a good look at me before we make any decisions
about whether a fitness test is needed before we depart."

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