'They've given the tour party a tremendous lift'

Bearing in mind how last season ended, more than ever Munster will now be convinced that there is a curse on their back row. Jim Williams had scarcely confirmed his new two-year deal with the Irish provincial champions prior to leading the ACT Brumbies in his farewell performance than he broke his hand, which will require four to six weeks to heal.

This in effect sidelines him for only the close-season, so perhaps it's a sign that the curse has actually been lifted. Certainly Williams' defence and steadying hand seemed to be missed after he left the field, coach Eddie Jones admitting as much before forecasting a bright marriage between the World Cup winner and Munster.

"He's one of those players who just gives you a budget of performances. He plays at a high quality the whole time. Munster have always been a very successful side and Jimmy will bring a lot of experience and ability. Jimmy will equip himself well there."

Although the Wallabies' coach in waiting was, like Williams, denied a valedictory win in his farewell game with the Brumbies, Jones wore an altogether broader smile than the self-contented if stern expression he had after masterminding the Australian A side's win over the Lions.

Jones was chuffed with the performance of a Brumbies side missing a dozen of their Super 12 winning squad. "I also thought it was a really good competitive game of rugby tonight between contrasting styles," said Jones.

The "spirit" and "character" of the Lions' dirt-trackers were also the characteristics which Graham Henry and Dai Young highlighted afterwards, with the Lions' coach also extolling their "guts and determination". He was entitled to look well pleased, for the midweek side have now given a palpable psychological lift to the test team.

Suddenly, amid the all-in celebrations at pitch-side afterwards, there's even a bit of a "one-for-all, all-for-one" mentality in the air. As Donal Lenihan said: "They can hold their head up high because they've given the tour party a tremendous lift."

Matt Dawson having gone from zero to hero in three days with his match-winning conversion to complete a six from eight haul, the Lions management could also feel vindicated in having Dawson place-kick rather than O'Gara on the premise that the former will again be back-up to Jonny Wilkinson next Saturday.

Regarding the perceived snub, Ronan O'Gara said: "I was happy with the explanation I was given, that Dawson is in the 22 and is back-up kicker to Jonny Wilkinson and needs to be put in pressure situations. I think he showed just how good a place-kicker he is tonight."

As a precautionary measure, Scott Murray (ribs), Martyn Williams (shoulder) and Dorian West (hand) had all been taken to hospital for x-rays. Neil Back will be available for selection at the weekend while Matt Perry undergoes a fitness test today.

Both test teams will be announced today and it is expected that John Eales and Stephen Larkham will be passed fit and named in the Australian starting line-up for Saturday's test in Melbourne. Matt Burke is likely to replace Chris Latham at full back.