Australia captain John Eales last night lavished praise on the Lions - and played down an injury scare. Legendary lock Eales will sit out tomorrow morning's clash between Queensland Reds and the unbeaten tourists at Ballymore. Achilles tendon trouble means he misses an early confrontation with Lions skipper Martin Johnson.

"England are right up there with the best teams in the world - that is no longer debatable - but I rate this Lions squad higher than that," Eales said. "I was desperately keen to play in this game and I am very frustrated that I can't, but medical advice was that I rest further." Wallabies talisman Eales has a fortnight to regain full fitness. Herbert will lead the Reds in Eales' absence.