Lawrence Dallaglio today put a brave face on his Lions injury agony and admitted: ``The right decision has been made.''

Dallaglio's hopes of tackling Australia in the forthcoming three-Test series were destroyed by knee ligament trouble, sidelining him from a tour that has already seen four other players - Simon Taylor, Phil Greening, Mike Catt and Dan Luger - dealt knockout blows.

The former England captain suffered a setback during Saturday's bruising victory over New South Wales, and would risk possible knee reconstruction surgery if he continued playing.

Against such a backdrop, Dallaglio and Lions medical experts agreed that there was only one sensible option.

``It is a big disappointment,'' said the Wasps back-row star. ``There is a bit of swelling around the knee, but it is thought that I won't need surgery. If I continued to play though, then the risk of surgery would be increased, which is not what I want.

``The Test series will be a very demanding arena, and having played a lot of international rugby, I know what is required. With my leg in its current state, I don't think I would be up to what is required.

``The right decision has been made _ it is inappropriate to go into games when you are not 100% fit,'' he added. "But it hasn't put me back to square one, and I expect to make a full recovery ready for the start of the new season.

``I believe the decision to come out here was justified - everyone I was
working with felt that - but I had a setback on the weekend.''

``The decision to come on tour was taken with a view to completing the trip, and I felt fully justified in coming out. I followed all the necessary advice and worked incredibly hard to make myself available.

``Playing for the Lions is unique, and I am glad to have been part of it. Sometimes, in the long run, these sort of things make you stronger. If you look at the majority of rugby tours, then you have to deal with injuries.

``I have shared in the disappointments of injuries to Simon Taylor, Phil Greening, Mike Catt and Dan Luger, and I am sure people will share in my disappointment, but there is no time to dwell on it with the Test series coming up.''

Dallaglio, capped 47 times by England and a Test Lion in South Africa four years ago, featured for the tourists against Australia A and New South Wales, yet was clearly short of match fitness and sharpness.

The Lions take on New South Wales Country at Coffs Harbour's 20,000 capacity International Stadium tomorrow, with full-back Iain Balshaw probably the player under most pressure.

Balshaw, rated a Lions Test certainty before the tour started, has struggled to make an impression so far, and could miss out behind Bath and England colleague Matt Perry against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

``There is competition for full-back, like many other positions,'' said Lions coach Graham Henry. ``There are positions available in the Test side, and all the guys have been told that very clearly.

``It is pretty important that the team plays well on Tuesday, and it is a very important game for a number of people.''

Wales prop David Young captained the Lions when they were beaten by the Wallabies' second-string in Gosford last week. He retains the job tomorrow, and is anxious to make amends.

``We let ourselves down against Australia A - we didn't perform,'' Young said. ``The guys going out there tomorrow are determined to put the record straight.''

The Lions, who hand first tour starts to replacements Scott Gibbs and Tyrone Howe, should crush a Country XV made up of New South Wales club players, with a points landslide likely.

Henry is then set to announce the Test line-up on Wednesday, one that could read: Perry; James, O'Driscoll, Henderson, Robinson; Wilkinson, Howley; Morris, Wood, Vickery, Johnson (capt), Grewcock, Hill, Back, Quinnell.