Wales team manager Alan Phillips insists he is not in conflict with Sir Clive Woodward over the Lions' decision to overlook Brent Cockbain.

When Malcolm O'Kelly was ruled out of the Lions' tour of New Zealand with a groin problem, Woodward sent for England lock Simon Shaw rather than Cockbain, who enjoyed an impressive Six Nations campaign.

The decision did not impress Phillips, who said: "It's disappointing. Once again Woodward has picked players he knows and has coached before."

Woodward admitted he was not surprised to hear Phillips had disagreed with his decision but tried to defuse any potential war of words.

"I would be very surprised if Alan Phillips had said anything different. Everyone has got opinions," Woodward said.

"I would expect Alan to say what he did. I have got huge respect for him and the Wales coach Mike Ruddock. I appreciate everyone's comments, but we were picking on merit."

And Phillips has now attempted to draw a line under the issue, by releasing a statement declaring his full support for the Lions.

"There is no conflict whatsoever between us and Sir Clive Woodward or his Lions team. We have an excellent working relationship with the Lions and we are fully supportive of what they are trying to do and achieve," said Phillips.

"If the Lions are going to be successful in New Zealand, everyone needs to get behind them. They have a difficult enough task on their hands without people in this country attacking them and their choices.

"I feel very strongly about this and would not want to be seen to be critical in any way.

"If we had any problems at all, we know Clive well enough to pick up the phone and talk to him.

"Obviously we were disappointed for Brent last week but that is only natural. I also stand by what I said which is that if a selection decision is 50/50, it is quite understandable for a coach to go for a player he knows well."