The Lions could field an all-Munster combination in their secondrow for Saturday's second Test against New Zealand, in Wellington. Paul O'Connell looks likely to keep his place, despite the 21-3 first-Test loss, and he could be joined by Donncha O'Callaghan if England's Ben Kay is axed following the Lions' shambolic lineout four days ago.

O'Callaghan did his cause no harm at all by helping the Lions destroy Manawatu, and the fact he played only 40 minutes suggests Clive Woodward is lining him up for a Test start.

O'Callaghan, knowing Test selection is out of his hands, said, "We took the game to them - we were ruthless."

Woodward announces the Test side today and the number of changes - including some anticipated positional switches - could run into double figures.

Coach Ian McGeechan, meanwhile, saluted his players for helping to dispel a "dark cloud" with their demolition of Manawatu. He said: "It was important we showed we could play rugby, and it lifts a dark cloud. It was a big statement of the attitude of the players - they kept playing rugby."

McGeechan was reluctant to speculate on the likely selection for the Test team but said it was clear none of the players had harmed their chances by playing against Manawatu. "I think there will be a full review of all the players after tonight," he said.

Despite the fizzing display from the backs, the victorious Lions coach of 1989 and 1997 said the forward battle would remain key for the second Test.

"You can't get away from the set-piece. We didn't have a starting point on Saturday," he said. "If we get the building blocks we can play some rugby and look at tactical plans for pressurising the All Blacks. If we don't, we won't get off first base."

Gareth Jenkins, McGeechan's coaching colleague, paid tribute to flanker Martin Corry, who played his second game in three days but is battling to retain a Test place.

"Backrow was a dilemma for us," said Jenkins. "We had taken injuries, so we were limited. But we felt Martin could stack up, and his leadership qualities were important to us. He performed and he impacted on the game."

The Lions were also able to report a largely injury-free outing, though hooker Gordon Bulloch and his replacement, Andy Titterrell, did pick up knocks, while lock Brent Cockbain acquitted himself well when he appeared off the bench.

Wales lock Cockbain only arrived in Palmerston North by helicopter a few hours before kick-off, having flown from Sydney to Wellington after answering Woodward's call when Danny Grewcock landed a two-month ban for biting All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu.

"We wanted to get the tour back on route," said skipper Bulloch. "Against Southland, we played as individuals, whereas this was a team performance."

Outhalf Charlie Hodgson added: "All the boys came around and shook everyone's hand. Last weekend was disappointing, and it was important to get things back on track."