The discipline that the Lions maintained during the more fractious moments of Saturday's encounter could yet transpire to be a crucial aspect of this series.
In comparison to the previous encounters, this was a loose, often purposeless, match but it was bloody tough. Pleasing as the win was, the fact that the tourists did not allow it to spill into notoriety despite apparent provocation was equally important.
I did not see the incident that preceded the battering poor Ronan O'Gara was treated to but he took a fair bit of punishment. It was not very savoury but thankfully the damage appeared superficial.
There is a long history of controversy when it comes to Lions matches but the media attention is probably stronger than ever now and this will be reflected in the coverage of the more torrid minutes of the NSW clash. The match was certainly at a remove from the cosy romps enjoyed on the first two outings and, as with the defeat against Australia A, was much more valuable.
It would have been so easy to lose composure in those circumstances, particularly in the quarter after the half-time restart. The NSW side had pride in abundance and was certainly not going to display any timidity in front of an expectant home support, but the Lions had too much strength in depth for them.
The Test side is pretty much apparent now, I believe. Iain Balshaw will, as anticipated, play full back. Daffyd James, for all my misgivings, may sneak a place and Jason Robinson - who excelled on Saturday - has vindicated his selection on the left. Will Greenwood, if he was fit, would probably have partnered Brian O'Driscoll at centre. Brian was awesome on Saturday; his Test place was assured. Personally, I would have had Rob Henderson partner him, which is how it might turn out.
Robert Howley should partner Jonny Wilkinson, even though I have a nagging feeling that Matt Dawson's contribution could be telling. The back row is still debatable. My money would be on Neil Back at open side, Scott Quinnell at number eight, and Richard Hill at blind side. Martin Johnson and Danny Grewcock will most likely be the locks, with Phil Vickery, Keith Wood and Darren Morris the forward trio.
Laurence Dallaglio is unfortunate to have to return home, but he really didn't elevate his game to the heights we have come to expect. It is a reasonably strong and competitive side but the reservation lies in the cover; we are paper thin in the key areas. Losing players like Wood or Wilkinson is almost unthinkable.
On that note, I am delighted for Tyrone Howe, who is a smashing lad and a fine player. I imagine that both he and Scott Gibbs will get a run tomorrow and the way this tour is going, who knows? Maybe some Test minutes ahead for them. Again, though, my thoughts go to Denis Hickie, who has been roughly treated in all of this. I underwent a similar experience in 1993 when Ian Hunter went home injured and they pulled out Richie Wallace. I was pleased for him as an international colleague but was nonetheless devastated from a personal point of view. But, funnily, I probably played my best rugby the following year and Denis should aim to do the same, to take this on the chin.
Tomorrow we will probably see a shadow side out again, leaving us with a few inggling thoughts about key positions in the Lions side as we approach what could be a thunderous first test.
