Australian coach Eddie Jones was delighted with his side's start to their seven-match European tour despite being nearly embarrassed by a scratch team representing the English National Divisions.

The home side had just two days to prepare for their Welford Road clash with the world champions but managed to get within 12 points of the Lion-tamers as they bravely went down 34-22.

"It was terrific, we got what we wanted," insisted Jones. "We always knew they would give us a good work-out.

"That was more benefit to us than a runaway score. We were rusty but it was a very positive afternoon for us.

"We pretty flat in the first half but we played a bit better in the second half.

"I am very happy with our preparation. The execution was not good and that's a concern but it's better finding that out today.

"We have geared our training towards being ready for the 10th of November. Some of the guys haven't played since the first of September."

Worcester lock Dave Simms, captain of the National Divisions XV, was both delighted and shocked by his team's heroic efforts.

"In all honesty, I didn't think we would get anywhere near," he said. "We only had two days' preparation but we played with our hearts and I'm very proud of them.

"If we had had three days' preparation, we might have won some line-outs!"

Australia's next warm-up matches are against Spain in Madrid on Thursday and Oxford University next Sunday before the serious challenges begin against England, France and Wales.

Jones expects to put out his full-strength side against the Spaniards and, asked how many of his Test team were playing today, said: "In reality, we're looking at about eight players."

Lock Justin Harrison, hoping to take the place of retired former captain John Eales, caught the coach's eye despite going off with a leg injury and injury-plagued winger Ben Tune made a highly satisfactory comeback.

Tune, who has played just one Test since the World Cup final because of ankle and shoulder injuries, scored one of the Wallabies' four tries to press his claim for a recall.

"He did a few good things," said Jones. "It was a pretty positive comeback.

"He was still a little bit rusty and he's got a fair bit of work to do. But he certainly showed he's going to be a very good player and hopefully he'll get back to his best if he can play some continuous rugby.

"I thought Michael Foley played really - he is playing his best-ever rugby - and I thought the back row toiled pretty well."