Aussies are first to cry foul

The whingeing Wallabies accused the Lions of dirty tactics last night, firing off a formal protest in sour response to the tourists' blazing preparation for the Test series.

Eddie Jones, Australia's coach-elect, evoked memories of the bitter 1989 series between the countries with an extraordinary attack on Martin Johnson's team in the wake of their stunning 42-8 victory over Queensland in Brisbane. Jones said: 'The Lions play it very physical up front and will do anything they can to gain an ascendancy.

'I'm worried about indiscriminate rucking because it leads to other things. The law should not change just because the Lions are here. There were a number of off-the-ball incidents against Queensland and you have to be surprised that the citing commissioner for the match didn't take some action.'

Ironically, the Lions learned of Jones' blast after deciding not to call for action against Queensland players over incidents which led to Wales scrum half Rob Howley being helped off suffering from a knee in the ribs. They had praised their players for not over-reacting to what they saw as deliberate provocation.

Lions manager Donal Lenihan, a player on the 1989 tour which the Wallabies lost 2-1 amid accusations of skulduggery, said: 'Queensland were always going to test us early on but I thought it was a bit stupid of them. It was naive to think Martin Johnson would lose his head because one or two fellows got stuck in. We concentrated on playing rugby. The game has moved on since 1989 and I wish people would close that particular book.'

Howley, unable to train for at least the next four days, said: 'We didn't go out to cause any aggro. They started it but I doubt the Lions will be intimidated.'