Lions coach Ian McGeechan last night saluted his players for helping to ''lift a dark cloud'' following their 109-6 demolition of Manawatu.

Three days after an abject first Test display against the All Blacks, a midweek line-up showing 13 changes came to the party and at last gave suffering Lions supporters something to shout about.

Wing Shane Williams scored five of the Lions' 17 tries and, although Manawatu were horribly inferior opponents, it was still a job well done.

''It was the biggest statement possible from this team,'' said McGeechan. ''They played as a team, rather than the individuals they were against Southland last week.

''I think it was very important to have a game like that. I don't care what the opposition would have been - that team was ready.''

McGeechan conceded the game was ''miles away from a Test match,'' but added: ''Just to see the smiles afterwards on the faces of the non-playing group was a good buzz.

''It was important we showed that 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.''

The Lions were also able to report a largely injury-free outing, although 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 head coach Sir Clive 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.''

And fly-half Charlie Hodgson added: ''Everyone is delighted. All the boys (Lions squad) came around and shook everyone's hand.

''Last weekend was disappointing, and it was important to get things back on track.''

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

''Back-row was a dilemma for us,'' said Jenkins. ''We had taken injuries, so we were limited.

''But we felt that Martin could stack-up, and his leadership qualities were important to us as well. He performed, and he impacted on the game.''

Even Manawatu were able to enjoy the occasion, despite suffering the second-heaviest defeat in Lions history.

''Maybe we were a little bit overawed in the first-half, and it sure was a tough day,'' conceded Manawatu skipper Nathan Kemp.

''But the Lions were awesome. They initiated swapping jerseys in the changing room afterwards, and a couple of our boys also came in with shorts and socks as well!''