British and Irish Lions

Dawson, who would have won his 48th cap in a key individual battle opposite French scrum-half and skipper Fabien Galthie, has not recovered from a calf injury.

The news was confirmed when he failed a fitness test, having been unable to train with England all week.

Dawson's place in the starting line-up at Twickenham will be filled by Gloucester scrum-half Andy Gomarsall, who wins his 10th cap.

And the replacements' bench vacancy created by Gomarsall's promotion goes to 28-year-old uncapped Sale Sharks player Nick Walshe.

"Obviously, I wish Matt a speedy recovery," said England boss Clive Woodward.

"Andy Gomarsall will start on Saturday, with Nick Walshe joining the bench. Matt has been unable to train with us this week, but Andy has taken a full part in all the sessions, so we expect the disruption to be minimal. "

Shane Williams will become the oldest back to play for the British & Irish Lions when he makes his 15th appearance in the famous jersey after answering an emergency SOS from former Wales team mate Rob Howley.

Mike Phillips is hoping to get the chance to exorcise more than a few demons in Brisbane on Saturday when the British & Irish Lions kick-off their Test series against the Qantas Wallabies.

British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland says he's excited about the prospect of getting the best out of his newly extended squad rather than losing sleep over the fitness of some of his big names.