Salakaia-Loto 'licking his lips' ahead of Northampton reunion with Lion cubs

Reds lock Salakaia-Loto is "licking his lips" at the prospect of tackling the British & Irish Lions next week - especially when they're bringing a few familiar faces.

The 41-Test Wallaby spent a season abroad with English club Northampton Saints and knows all too well the threat posed by firebrand flanker Henry Pollock and rising playmaker Fin Smith.

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Both Pollock, 20, and Smith, 23, earned their Lions debuts alongside fellow Saints Alex Mitchell and George Freeman in last week's 24-28 loss to Argentina with Salakaia-Loto telling reporters Northampton were "unlucky" not to have more players selected for the Australian tour.

"They're unreal players, there's a reason why there's four of them in the Lions squad and probably unlucky not to have a few more to be fair," Salakaia-Loto said on Tuesday.

"I've always rated Fin Smith so highly from the first time he stepped onto the stage when I was there during my time.

"Henry Pollock's another one who's setting the world alight. I only had a little bit to do with him - when I exited he was sort of coming through - but I think the writing was on the wall that he was going to be a huge player for the club and his trajectory has just taken off.

"(Pollock) is right where he belongs on the Test stage and he's doing great things for rugby both on the field and and off it. He's bringing a lot of attention to the game and you need people like that in the game.

"I'll be catching up with those (Northampton) boys when they touch down probably end of next week so looking forward to it."

Notwithstanding the chance to line up his former teammates, Salakaia-Loto won't be lacking for motivation when he pulls on a Queensland jersey against the touring Lions next Wednesday.

The 28-year-old battled leg and shoulder concerns throughout Super Rugby Pacific but was nevertheless a surprise omission from Joe Schmidt's 36-man Wallabies squad for Fiji after playing 11 Tests last year.

Salakaia-Loto downplayed his conversations with selectors but knows a strong Reds showing against the Lions can catapult him back into the gold jersey.

"Feedback's feedback. I've just got to play well and see what happens," Salakaia-Loto said of his Wallabies prospects.

"I'm right here, I'm at Ballymore, I know what I'm capable of and I'm looking forward to showcasing that next Wednesday.

"It's huge - next week here at Suncorp - and it's something that not everyone has a chance to do in their career.

"Playing against the Lions is something so special and probably an opportunity I'll never get in my life again. It's one I'm really looking forward to and doing it justice by playing well.

"I just got the green light then so pretty huge to get through a session today … and I'm licking my lips at the opportunity next week."

Queensland haven't tasted victory against the Lions since 1971 but it's a challenge Salakaia-Loto welcomes with open arms.

The second-row battle alone will be worth the price of admission with Lions skipper Maro Itoje spearheading a lethal locking crew including Ireland star Tadhg Beirne and England's Ollie Chessum.

"Maro's obviously an unreal leader for England and the Lions and you've seen the quality he possesses. He's shown that throughout the course of his career and he'll keep doing that," Salakaia-Loto said.

"Ollie Chessum, Tadgh Beirne, these guys are unreal players and you don't get make the Lions by just having a few good games here and there.

"These guys have been consistent for the best part of their career and these are the opportunities that you want to put yourself to come up against the best in the world.

"You know, history repeats itself and hopefully that's the case next Wednesday.

"(Beating the Lions) is our vision and we're preparing accordingly to make sure we can do that."

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