Test match animal.

British and Irish Lions assistant coach, Gregor Townsend, is backing Ireland centre, Robbie Henshaw, to play a “huge role” in the rest of the tour as the 28-year-old gets set to return to the starting line-up this weekend.

Henshaw has missed the last number of games with a hamstring problem but is now fit and firing and raring to go this weekend against the Stormers.

A number of midfield players have impressed in his absence but Henshaw clearly still has plenty of credit left in the bank with the Lions coaches following a stellar season for both club and country.

If he has a good performance this weekend – don’t bet against him starting in the first Test against the Springboks on Saturday week.

“He can have a huge role in all aspects because he’s an all-round player,” Townsend said today after completing his isolation period.

“He’s a good attacker, both as a ball-carrier and a passer, a very good support runner too. Then he’s got the kick chase ability which he showed really well against Scotland this year and in other games.

“Defensively, he’s outstanding so I think he showed in that Japan game as well, how Steve [Tandy] is wanting the team to defend, he adapted really quickly to that.

“So we’re delighted he’s back. He got through training fine today and he gets a chance now to show that he’s available to play the Test series.”

A huge chance for Henshaw to stake his claim tomorrow and we’re confident the Irishman will take it.