British and Irish Lions

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has rotated his squad recently and Connolly, preparing for his first match against the Kiwis, is convinced he has been made aware of the starting XV his side will face at Jade Stadium this weekend.

The 55-year-old told The Daily Telegraph: "We heard the team two days ago. Let's just say we heard it on the grapevine.

"It was named a couple of days ago to the players."

However, Connolly admitted the selection, which was also revealed in New Zealand newspaper The Sunday News, raised few eyebrows in the Wallabies camp.

The newspaper reported Mils Muliaina would replace Tana Umaga at centre while Leon MacDonald, Byron Kelleher and Rico Gear would start at full-back, scrum-half and right wing respectively.

It also stated that Rodney So'oialo, Jerry Collins and Richie McCaw will start in the back row and Jason Eaton has won the opportunity to partner Chris Jack at lock.

Connolly added: "It wasn't off-the-wall for us. We expected MacDonald to be in so we anticipated that's what they'd do with Muliaina."

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.