WALES Grand Slam winning skipper Michael Owen is refusing to give up on his dream of playing in a Test match for the Lions in New Zealand.

The 24-year-old, who will form a new-look back row in the Lions' final midweek game against Auckland alongside Martyn Williams and Jason White, is desperate to force his way into Sir Clive Woodward's thinking.

Owen was the form number eight in the early weeks of the tour but his decision to return home to Wales and witness the birth of his second child has seen him overlooked for Test selection, but he is refusing to throw in the towel.

"I certainly want to prove the selectors wrong by producing a big performance," said Owen. "I want to show them they've made the wrong decision by not picking me for the first two Tests.

"After the two Test defeats, there's a responsibility on the midweek side to win against Auckland and show the character in the squad. Nobody in this midweek side has given up on winning a Test call just yet."

Welsh lock Brent Cockbain is desperate to get off the replacements' bench in Auckland and make a big impact.

The 30-year-old became Lion number 50 last week when he was called up as a replacement for the suspended Danny Grewcock. He made his Lions debut against Manawatu last week after replacing Donncha O'Callaghan and is itching to get on the pitch once more after being named on the bench for Tuesday's game with Auckland.

"I know from watching previous Lions tours that anyone who plays well in the provincial games has an outside chance of getting into the Test side. That's my aim," he said.

"It's been good to see Ryan Jones make the impact that he has. It shows me that a Test place is a possibility.

"Ryan's a great bloke and a fabulous player. To be called up, be man of the match against Otago, go on in the first Test, play awesome rugby and play well again in the second Test, is quite something. His progression fills the rest of the midweek side with hope."

Newport Gwent Dragons scrum half Gareth Cooper has again been overlooked having made just one start in New Zealand. "It has been so disappointing but I've just tried to get on with it and hide my irritation," he said.