Will Greenwood has admitted he would be happy to play any part in a Test series win for the British & Irish Lions over New Zealand.
Greenwood, vice-captain for the clash with Taranaki, is on his third Lions tour after previous trips to South Africa in 1997 and Australia four years ago.
His wonderful ability to make space in midfield and then exploit it caught the eye in South Africa before he was felled against Orange Free State and swallowed his tongue after being knocked unconscious.
Greenwood then damaged ankle ligaments in the week leading up the first Test in Australia.
But he said: "I have been dealt some very good cards in rugby and I wouldn’t look back on anything with any regret.
"If I am part of a squad that wins a series in New Zealand and all I am is a bag carrier, I’ll take that, I’ll bite your hand off.
"It’s about this squad winning in 2005, not about ticking personal boxes.
"These are two sides who both feel they can win the Test series in three weeks’ time.
"New Zealand have home advantage and from their performance against France in November they are best side in world at moment.
"But if we are all united the four nations can do job out here. Certainly in this camp there is no doubt we are here to do a job and that job is to win a Test series in New Zealand.
"My contribution to the England cause under Clive Woodward was a reasonable one and that was obviously considered in selection process.
"I feel I can add a great deal to this tour, both on and off field."
That starts for Greenwood on Wednesday, when he makes his first appearance of the 2005 campaign against a powerful Taranaki side in New Plymouth.
Greenwood was watching from the stands in Rotorua as Bay of Plenty battled hard and pushed the Lions to the brink at the weekend. He is expecting an even greater challenge from Taranaki.
"It will be a huge honour to be pulling on the Lions jersey for a third tour and I am looking forward to a huge physical fixture," he said.
"As a rugby fan we have always enjoyed watching the National Provincial Championship. They have the ability to produce fantastic rugby players in this part of world.
"The Bay of Plenty was a bruising, no-questions-asked encounter. They rose to the occasion and we have no doubt the Taranaki boys will rise to the occasion."
Martin Corry, the favourite to replace Lawrence Dallaglio as the squad’s inspirational leader in the Test series, captains the side on Wednesday.
Greenwood is vice-captain while his England colleagues Charlie Hodgson, the fly-half, and hooker Andy Titterrell win their first starts.
