Smiles all round as the Lions complete their preparations for the main event

Q: What’s the mood in the camp following that victory? A: Whatever people might say about a split in the camp, those boys are pretty together. There was a real spirit in there and there was a sing-song after the game.

It was important for this group. It was a really strong performance against the Maori and we didn’t want this group not winning tonight and they put in a commanding performance. In the changing room afterwards, everyone realised just what it meant, not just for the players that took the field, but the rest of the squad. They were incredibly vocal and you could see how pleased they were for the players that took the field. We had quite a big sing song in the changing room. It was a good feeling, I was pleased for the players. Q: Have some of the individual performances given you food for thought for Saturday? A: The result was pretty important for that group of guys. We’ve spoken about the disappointment of the players who were involved in the Blues and Highlanders games where we have been in front after 70 minutes. The result Q: Does Elliot Daly’s early withdrawal suggest he will be involved on Saturday? A: Possibly Q: How pleased where you with the back three? A: Someone like Jack Nowell, it just hadn’t happened for him in the first couple of games. He is a player who is prolific in terms of getting his hands on the ball. He showed that when he scored his tries. I was pleased to see him play well and I thought Elliot looked sharp and Liam. It was a combination that looked pretty dangerous and pretty potent.

There were a few times in the first half when we were a little bit lateral with the ball, but we were much better in the Q: How pleased were you with the execution of skills for some of those tries. A: That is something we have been working on. It takes a bit of time when you are putting combinations together and guys getting used to each other’s voices.

The one that Jared Payne scored was an outstanding try. We are creating them and now we are starting to finish them.

From a defensive point of view, we are getting stronger and stronger. We are playing against teams that have scored multiple tries week-in, week-out and we are strangling them a little bit.

But on Saturday we are up against the best team in world in their own back yard where they haven’t lost since 1994. It’s going a big test for us. Q: Was it good to see one of the Test referees give a penalty for blocking out there? A: There was one given on Saturday as well.

Look the referees have identified that. I just said it was frustrating that there had been subtle blocking.

We haven’t come out and bitched and moaned about anything. Sometimes decisions go against you.

Refs have picked up on it and there was one there tonight and hopefully it gets stamped out of the game. Q: When it comes to Test selection, how many of the decisions will be your call and how many a group call? A: The selection meeting will be with all the coaches. It’s the consensus of that group, it’s never one person’s call. It’s coaches discussing the options and the positions and collectively agreeing. I am sure there will be some lively debate and discussion. It won’t be saying, it will be all of us contributing and having a voice and an opinion. Q: Can you explain the thinking on Courtney Lawes coming back on for Alun Wyn Jones?