Bowe tips Iain Henderson for Lions success
Tommy Bowe has backed Ulster clubmate Iain Henderson to continue to win plaudits on tour with the British and Irish Lions.
The Irish winger, himself a Lion in 2009 and 2013, has been impressed with the lock so far.
"Hendy is playing some of the best rugby I've seen him play for a while. The way he's carrying the ball, he's really relishing the opportunity and stepping up to it."
With the first test coming on Saturday, Bowe believes Henderson has put himself in contention to start in the second row.
"I would hope he'll be involved this weekend because I do believe he's really put his hand up," he said.
"As for Rory Best and Jared Payne, they've gone really well when they've got the opportunities, but unfortunately it just shows the strength in depth in that squad that not everybody can be picked."
"But there will be injuries and people will miss out, so I hope Jared and Rory take every chance with both hands.
Injury late last year disrupted Bowe's Ulster and Ireland season, and meant a third Lions call was always looking unlikely.
"To have been fortunate enough to go on 2 tours and to have won the last series is something I'm very proud of. I'd give my left leg to be out there and get stuck in, but I'm watching it as a fan, which I can now tell isn't easy."