GARETH Cooper can't wait for Monday's showdown with the Pumas. The Lions and Dragons scrum half is fully fit and feeling fresh, something he hasn't experienced for some time.

Cooper's Six Nations campaign was ruined by a persistent ankle injury, which also restricted his appearances for the Dragons towards the end of the season.

Ironically, the injury was aggravated during a Tsunami relief benefit game, coached by Sir Clive Woodward in March.

But as the 26-year-old admits, the break has done him good and he's feeling refreshed a ready for the Lions assault on New Zealand.

He said: "The injury has been a bit of a blessing in disguise.

"It has given me time to have a breather, I'm feeling fresh and the injury is 100 per cent." Cooper lines up alongside Jonny Wilkinson, one of the most famous players in World rugby. And the Dragons star cannot wait for the game between the British Lions and Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: "I'm ready and looking forward to it.

"I think the fact that Sir Clive hasn't seen me play for a while and that I'm short of match fitness is why I'm playing, and I can't wait to get on there and show what I'm capable of doing.

"I've never played with Jonny, it'll be interesting and I'm looking forward to it, he's obviously a fantastic players and I'm sure it will go well."

Cooper has praised the team spirit in the camp ahead of the their seven week tour of New Zealand.

He said: "The spirit in the camp is high.

"We've not had much training together, but we've done plenty of team bonding exercises and everybody is looking forward to the challenge ahead."