Courtney Lawes ready to 'lay it on the line' for Lions against All Blacks

Courtney Lawes is happy to have given British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland a selection headache ahead of Saturday's second Test against the All Blacks.

The Northampton lock was left out of the match-day 23 for the first Test last weekend, with Alun Wyn Jones and George Kruis starting and Maro Itoje coming off the bench in the 30-15 defeat.

But Gatland admitted Lawes and fellow lock Iain Henderson had given him "food for thought" in Tuesday's 31-31 draw against the Hurricanes, as both excelled at the Westpac Stadium.

In a move viewed as a positive sign for his Test chances, Lawes was substituted after 53 minutes on Tuesday, with Kruis replacing him.

Highlights of the Hurricanes against the British and Irish Lions Highlights of the Hurricanes against the British and Irish Lions

When asked his prospects of selection at the weekend, Lawes replied: "I've no idea, we'll just see what happens.

"I went out and did everything I could. It's not up to me anymore.

"I played fairly well, and I'd be looking forward to it if I get a run-out at the weekend.

"I never like getting subbed off. I wanted to stay on, the game was tightening up; it was a tough game. Kruis came on and did a good job.

"I am feeling confident if I do get called up. I'll lay it on the line like I always do."

Lions head coach Warren Gatland defends the decision not to use the bench during his side's draw with the Hurricanes Lions head coach Warren Gatland defends the decision not to use the bench during his side's draw with the Hurricanes

When informed Gatland admitted after the match that he had given him a tough selection call, Lawes admitted: "Yeah, of course I'm chuffed to hear that.

"You always want to be pushing for spots. Iain Henderson had an awesome game and I was able to have a good game too.

"You always want to make coach's life harder than it should be.

"I'll do all I can over next couple of days to make sure I'm in the best nick for the weekend."