Lions boss Ian McGeechan has included no Scottish players in his starting XV against the Sharks on Wednesday although scrum-half Mike Blair is on the bench.

It is the first time on the tour that no Scots have featured in the starting line-ups with front-rowers Euan Murray and Ross Ford rested after their exertions against the Cheetahs on Saturday.

Nathan Hines is also not included in the 22 despite an impressive display against the Golden Lions a week ago.

Captain Paul O'Connell and Wales Alun Wyn Jones are preferred in the boiler room in what could be McGeechan's test lock pairing while Simon Shaw is named on the bench.

It will be equally hard for Scotland captain Blair to force his way into the test team after failing to shine against the Royal XV in the opening match of the tour with Wales Mike Phillips being given another chance to nail down the No.9 shirt.

In the centres, England's Riki Flutey, who along with late call-up Gordon D'Arcy has yet to start a game, again has to make do with a role as replacement as Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts get the nod in midfield.