British and Irish Lions

The New Zealander was dismissed on Tuesday with Richie Dixon taking his place in a caretaker capacity until the end of the season.

But Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Nicol is convinced that someone with local expertise should now take over.

Nicol said: "Whatever Kiwi and his staff did or didn't do, it was nothing to do with their nationality.

"But, after the season we have had, it would be good to have Scottish coaches - including people who maybe have lived here for a number of years who are not Scots-born."

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.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.