Lions: Morris - Lions are winners

Darren Morris tonight underlined the Lions’ determination to erase memories of a disastrous week by declaring: ‘‘This is a squad of winners - not losers.’’

The Wales prop packs down against New South Wales tomorrow, knowing that more than Test places are at stake.

If the Lions suffer another defeat, just four days after surrendering their unbeaten record to a technically-accomplished Australia A side, then there might be no way back.

While Lions coach Graham Henry uses tomorrow’s Sydney Football Stadium clash - and an appointment with New South Wales Country in Coffs Harbour next Tuesday - as unofficial first Test trials, his players are determined to display character and commitment in abundance.

Apart from the Australia A reversal, both Mike Catt (calf) and Dan Luger (fractured cheekbone) suffered tour-ending injuries within 48 hours of each other, leaving Lions manager Donal Lenihan to summon Scott Gibbs and Tyrone Howe as replacements.

There was more than a touch of relief in Lenihan’s voice after training this afternoon when he spoke of ‘‘an injury-free day.’’

The only change is on the bench, as full-back Matt Perry takes over from Ben Cohen.

Henry might now seriously consider switching Iain Balshaw from full-back to Test right wing - a position where he featured prominently for Bath last season - and hand dependable Perry the number 15 jersey.

Tomorrow’s late switch indicates a possible move in that direction, although Dafydd James and Jason Robinson will be out to underline their strike-force potential.

Morris, who finds himself among a three-way fight for the loosehead prop position alongside Tom Smith and Jason Leonard, believes Tuesday’s defeat has galvanised bodies and minds.

‘‘You can take a lot out of losing. If you don’t learn from your losses, then you are too arrogant to play the game,’’ he said.

‘‘The training has been very intense this week there has been a bit of needle there, which is good - and as a squad, we’ve upped the tempo.

‘‘New South Wales are an accomplished side with a very experienced coach in Bob Dwyer, but we have got to win, because that is what we are out here to do.

‘‘This is a squad of winners, not losers, and that has been shown by the reaction in training this week. There has been some tough training and tough talking,’’ Morris added.

‘‘We hit the paddock running on Wednesday, and have not taken a backward step since.’’

Lions skipper Martin Johnson, who makes his second tour appearance tomorrow, has also emphasised the importance of toppling a Waratahs outfit containing several Australia A players.

‘‘It has been a difficult week, having lost a game and then seen Mike and Dan get injured,’’ he said.

‘‘This match was always going to be an important one, being scheduled the Saturday before the first Test, and we are very keen to get the tour back on a winning note.’’

The Lions have received stinging criticism fired by Wallabies coach Rod Macqueen and New South Wales boss Dwyer this week, with both men attacking the tourists over law infringements at scrums, lineouts and the breakdown area.

New Zealand referee Paul Honiss awarded almost 30 penalties against the Lions during Tuesday’s 28-25 defeat by Australia A, whistling them out of a match that saw their unbeaten tour record fall.