Andy with his fists

When the Lions start the process of finding positives this morning, they need look no further than Andy Sheridan.

The giant loosehead prop gave Carl Hayman, an All Black certainty, a very difficult night until he was yellow-carded for punching.

He would've loved for the battle to last until the small hours of the morning as he appeared to be in control.

On the few occasions referee Steve Walsh managed to keep hold of things long enough for there to be a genuine contest, Sheridan seemed to be winning it.

The significance of that battle should not be overstated.

Sir Clive Woodward has the ability to pick his troops up from last night's loss and he will convince them that they can still win the tests.

And at the core of his message will be the belief his side can scrum their way to victory.

It's probably their best hope. Maybe even their only hope as their lack of skill out wide is starting to look like a boil that can't be lanced.

Even if Sheridan, the almost as impressive Julian White and Paul O'Connell can provide a platform, who is going to exploit it?

Maybe Jonny Wilkinson. We'll get an idea on Wednesday when he plays his first game.

Maybe, though, Wilkinson needs to be played at second five to keep Stephen Jones in the test side.

Clearly tactical kicking is going to be a major part of the Lions' game plan and the idea of the right-foot, left-foot combination offered by Jones and Wilkinson has major appeal.

They are both also good decision makers, although Jones probably kicked a bit too much ball into the air last night.

We had seen in the two previous games that the Lions have been at their best when they plugged the corners. Played the percentages.

Unless Gavin Henson fires on Wednesday, Wilkinson at second-five might be their best option.

Gordon D'Arcy never really got into the game last night and just doesn't look the player he was when he took the 2004 Six Nations tournament by storm.

Gareth Thomas and Jason Robinson will also both feature against the Lions and will need to put a marker down. And both can play fullback.

Josh Lewsey had few opportunities in attack last night but his defence was superb, one fumbled high ball aside, and he must be the front runner to play fullback.

Both the wings Tom Shanklin and Shane Williams also emerged with a lot of credit.

Shanklin made his presence felt in defence, putting in a few thunderous hits. He's not the sort of player who excites but, at this point of time, that is hardly going to be a worry.

The All Blacks are going to put the ball wide, attacking down the touchlines, and a defensive wing is a must for the Lions.

That probably rules out Williams, who is small enough to be barred from getting on certain fairground rides.

It's the back row that will be causing the biggest selection headache. Marty Holah and Jono Gibbes looked like the only loosies on the park for much of the game.

Woodward has tried to spin a line about there being a wealth of openside riches in the UK. Nice try Clive, but we all know that with the best will in the world, that is spin of the highest order.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY