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Byrne has designs on a Lions spot

Monday 01st December 2008

Top form: Byrne is playing some excellent rugby at present

In-form Wales full-back Lee Byrne has ambitions of making the British Lions squad for next summer's Test series in South Africa.

The Ospreys star was named man of the match in Wales' 21-18 victory over Australia on Saturday and was arguably their best player during the autumn series.

His attacking runs and bravery in defence have earned him comparisons to Wales' legendary number 15 JPR Williams.

"Obviously every player is targeting a Lions spot. If they said they weren't it would be silly of them," said Byrne.

"But genuinely my ambition is to get the Ospreys the Heineken Cup and then there is the Six Nations before you can think about the Lions.

"It's been a big year, but I'm eager to learn and push on."

Speaking about beating Australia Byrne praised Wales' attitude in defence.

"We gave an 80 minutes performance and the defence was incredible. A lot of the boys put their bodies on the line," he said.

"We had put in a 40-minute performance in the second half against South Africa and a 40-minute performance in the first half against New Zealand but I think we got the balance right against Australia."

And Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards said he was more than satisfied with the victory over the Wallabies.

"Obviously there's great satisfaction that we got the result against a southern hemisphere team, the only northern hemisphere team to win during all of the series," Edwards said.

"There's a little bit of frustration that we probably didn't win with more points, particularly in the first half. I thought some of the offensive rugby we played was out of the top drawer and probably as good as we've ever played.

"I thought we defended very well throughout the game, probably except for the fact we switched off for the last try. I think we thought the job was done by that time.

"All in all we're pretty satisfied, but still got that burning hunger, that desire to get even better."