Lions captain Martin Johnson is playing down talk of a possible war when his side take on Australia at the Gabba tomorrow.

Johnson's comments follow media speculation that Saturday's game will turn into a slugging match in response to a few unsavoury incidents that occurred during the Lions' clash with the Waratahs last weekend.

"There have been a few isolated incidents on this tour, but most of the chat has come from the media, and we are bored with it all. We've ignored it from the start," Johnson said. "The game is so fast. You are out there trying to attack when you have got the ball, and then defending their attack when you haven't got it.

"You haven't got time to think about anything else that goes on. This Test match will be tough enough, without any foul play."

Johnson's comments were echoed by his Australian counterpart John Eales. "A Test match like this is always going to be fast and furious, and there won't be a lot of time for any distractions."

As if anyone needed convincing of enormity of this Test series the respective coaches offered their opinions. "This is a huge Test match," said Lions coach Graham Henry. "It is one of those games you probably dream about - you couldn't get a much bigger occasion. We've always said that this series would be a major challenge. Australia are the best rugby union side in the world, and we have to play to the best of our ability to have a chance tomorrow."

"The handicap for us is that we haven't played together before, which was always going to be the challenge of this tour, with very limited preparation time. We have also had some little hurdles to jump with injuries, but the players have been superb. They are very committed."

Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen has also stated that he has had no trouble lifting his players for this game. "This is the most motivated Wallaby team I have ever seen," said their World Cup-winning coach Rod Macqueen.

"There has been no need to remind them of the importance of this game. In terms of a Test series, this is the only opportunity you get to play against the Lions."