Challenge Cup semi a big test for Henderson and Cooney's Lions hopes

Amid the countdown to this evening’s Challenge Cup semi-final between Leicester and Ulster, Ireland and Leicester legend Geordan Murphy has spoken on the Lions prospects of a couple of players, namely Iain Henderson and John Cooney. 

Two of the Lions’ coaching staff will be present at Welford Road this evening to observe the spectacle; attack coach Gregor Townsend and defence boss Steve Tandy will be looking on with interest, and Murphy believes the said two players are in with a shout should they turn out big performances. 

"That second-row position, there's some real competition there," said Murphy, who took part in a Lions 'fantasy draft' to take on the Springboks this summer that will air on BT Sport after their coverage of the Ulster game this evening. 

"I think Alun-Wyn Jones sort of took everyone by surprise belying his age through that Six Nations. Just with his experience, I'd expect him to be involved, particularly having worked so well with Gatland before. 

"Maro Itoje has a great reputation, and then you've James Ryan and Jonny Gray who have been on form as well, so there's certainly huge competition for those second-row spots. 

"For me, at the moment, Iain will definitely be talked about, but I think it's about whether he can get it across the line. 

"I don't think at the moment that he's on the plane. I think you've guys like Courtney Lawes and Tadhg Beirne who have that bit more versatility to their game in that they play back-row as well, and with a smaller squad than Gatland has picked in the past you might find yourself getting squeezed out. 

"There's still time for him to fight his way in and against Leicester is obviously a really big game for him. 

"Players will know that. They'll say that it doesn't play on their mind, but it does. This is the last chance to lay a marker down in that Warren will be 85 per cent of the way there with the squad that he wants to pick. 

"But him and his coaches will see and discuss what they see in some huge games at the weekend and a stand-out performance will certainly give people their opportunity to fight their way in." 

With regard to Cooney, Murphy was full of priase: 

"The big (discussions) are the bolters, those who haven't played the Six Nations, and one of those is obviously John Cooney. I personally think that he's a fantastic player and he'll have a shot. 

"I think sometimes your face doesn't fit and Ireland have chosen not to use him this year, to use Jamison Gibson-Park and then cap Craig Casey who has been playing very well himself. 

"But John Cooney has still been one of Ulster's best players for a few years at a time when they've been very competitive. 

"He kicks goals, he seems to be a very composed footballer, and he's certainly someone that I think has a shot." 

Tonight’s game kicks off at 8pm (local).