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The Lions took a pummelling in their final game before the Test series, claiming a hard-fought victory over the Southern Kings. 


Their opponents were also a scratch side who had spent just one week under the guidance of former Ulster and Northampton coach. Yet their unfamiliarity hardly mattered, with a game plan based entirely on physicality and aggression.  


The Lions had already had two forced withdrawals from the squad, with Rob Kearney failing to recover from the dead leg he sustained on Saturday, and Shane Williams hit by a stomach bug.  


However, things soon got much worse. Euan Murray sprained an ankle and James Hook suffered a blow to the head inside the first fifteen minutes. Both were likely to have places on the bench in Durban, and their loss will be a big blow to the Lions. 


The Kings were clearly committed, making every tackle and hitting every ruck with complete commitment. However, they overstepped the mark on numerous occasions. A series of late and high tackles marred the game, not least the ugly smash on Riki Flutey, for which former Leicester fly-half Jaco van der Westhuyzen spent ten minutes in the bin. 


Yet for all their smashing in open play, the opposition once more simply could not live with the Lions’ scrum. The game was put to bed when Nigel Owens was forced to award a penalty try, with replacement Kings scrum-half Fowles illegally disrupting the reset scrum on the Lions’ side. 


The game was an obvious banana-skin and a stern Test of the Lions’ resolve. After twelve of the probable Test XV had already made their way in cotton wool to Durban, heads could easily have dropped as bodies were battered by the Kings. 


Despite the hard-hits the standard of play was fairly poor, with Ronan O’Gara bemoaning the lack of Test match intensity. In such an environment it was difficult for players to answer McGeechan’s call to force his hand for a late inclusion in the Test squad. 


Ugo Monye looked assured and bagged his fourth try of the tour, meaning he will be the man most likely to pull the number eleven onto his back on Saturday. Elsewhere, Simon Shaw put in a talismanic performance that could just have squeezed his way onto the bench in Durban. 


The Lions will enter the Test series against South Africa undefeated on tour, something which has only ever been achieved twice since the beginning of the twentieth century. 


The 1974 team need no introduction – ‘The Invincibles’. A drawn fourth and final Test, with the Series already wrapped up, was the only blot on their incredible tour. Yet few remember the 1980 team, who, having won all fourteen of their warm-up games, were hammered in the Test Series 3-1, the sole victory being a dead rubber. 


It is now time for these Lions to step up and ensure they are not consigned to the confines of history. Greatness beckons. 


The wait is nearly over. 
 


Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

(Attendance: 35,853) 


Kings (3) 8 
Tries: Mbiyozo Pens: Van der Westhuyzen 
Lions (3) 20 
Tries: Monye, penalty Cons: O'Gara 2 Pens: O'Gara 2 


Southern Kings: Mangweni, Human (Stick 55), Welsh, Barry, Turner, van der Westhuyzen, Hourgaard (Fowles 42); Engels, Kuun, Vermeulen, Skeate, Wentzel, Tyibilika, Mbiyozo, Nell.

Not used: du Preez, Greyling, Payi, van Schalkwyk, Fortuin. 


Lions: Earls, Monye (S Williams 64), Flutey, D'Arcy, Fitzgerald, Hook (O’Gara 12), Blair, Sheridan, Ford (Rees 64), Murray (A Jones 7), Shaw, O'Callaghan, Hines, Worsley, Powell.

Not used: Croft, Wallace, Ellis. 


Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)  

In the cauldron of a tempestuous Newlands the Lions survived another major scare, scraping past a fired up Western Province side. 


True, the team from the Cape had been stripped of their four Springboks, while they had enjoyed a poor run of form going into this match.  


Yet we all know that when it comes to facing the Lions, stats can be thrown out of the window. The chance to dent the Lions’ pride comes around once every twelve years for these players, and it was clear that these boys in blue and white were determined to grab theirs. 


The Lions were put under immense pressure, relying on their scrum to save their skin by forcing the opposition to concede free kicks, penalties, and ultimately the match. Euan Murray had a decisive impact as he came off the bench for the last quarter, forcing their front row to yield, and giving James Hook the chance to win the game. 


Not that it was an easy one, and having missed an earlier, easier opportunity, the Welshman deserves great credit for stepping up again. With three minutes left on the clock, fifty metres from the post and a swirling wind howling around Newlands it was touch and go. His trusty boot coupled with his versatility in the backline may just be enough to earn the late call-up a place on the Test bench. 


McGeechan conceded that the Lions ‘tried to play too much rugby in our own half’, responsibility for which lies with Stephen Jones, the leading contender for the number ten jersey. Public criticism is rare from the Scot, and the Welshman’s failure to assert his authority and control the game may have left the door ajar for O’Gara. 


On the other hand, Tommy Bowe is now nailed on for the right wing spot come Saturday. His try was a touch of class, taking the pass and pirouetting around the defender in one movement. He reads the game incredibly well, popping up in the right place to create the try for Ugo Monye that may just have also ushered him into the Test XV. 


In the forwards ball retention was much improved, as two of the Lions’ three tries came from extended periods of possession. Martyn Williams was impressive on his comeback, and will surely push David Wallace all the way for the open side shirt. Andy Powell may look like a caveman, but thankfully he didn’t play like one again at the weekend. He had clearly heeded the advice of the coaches, picking clever angles with his raging runs rather than cannoning into immovable objects. 


After the game Western Province captain Luke Watson described the match as ‘an awesome experience’, and it was clear for all to see just what the game meant to his players. 


In this age of cut and dried professionalism, it is refreshing to see the romantic notion of the Lions is still strong. However, for the tradition to survive the Lions must prove their worth in the Test arena, and avoid humiliating whitewashes like four years ago. 


American Football coach Vince Lombardi famously commented that ‘winning is a habit’, and it must be said that this years crop of Lions seem to have the knack. Yes, the Boks will be a huge step up, but thus far every time the men in red have been under pressure they have responded positively and emerged victors. 


So, unbeaten for the first half of the tour with five wins out of five: now for the hard part. Western Province coach Allister Coetzee summed up what more and more people are starting to believe in his post match comments: 


“It’s going to be one hell of a Test series”. 
 


Newlands, Cape Town

(Attendance: 34,176) 


Western Province (12) 23 
Try: Pietersen Pens: De Waal 4 Drops: De Waal, Pietersen 
 
Lions (18) 26  
Tries: Bowe, Monye, M Williams Con: Jones Pens: Jones 2, Hook 


Western Province: Pietersen, Chavhanga (Aplon 37), Newman, Grant, Bobo, De Waal, Duvenage; Blaauw (Moller 75), Liebenberg, Harris, Muller, Van Zyl, Louw, Vermeulen, Watson.

Not used: Shimange, Steenkamp, Jordaan, Hoffman, Engelbrecht. 


Lions: Kearney (Hook 66), Bowe, Earls, Flutey, Monye, S Jones, Ellis; Sheridan, Rees (Ford 56), Vickery (Murray 60), O'Callaghan, Hines (Shaw 56), Worsley (Croft 69), M Williams, Powell.

Not used: S Williams, D'Arcy.  


Referee: Mark Lawrence

All in all, a very good night’s work. A commanding performance and a convincing win, things are looking good as we head towards the First Test. 

The squad was dealt a blow prior to the game with the news that two members would be packing their bags after injuries sustained in training. Leigh Halfpenny aggravated the thigh strain that delayed his departure while Stephen Ferris tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in a routine drill.  

The loss of Ferris in particular will be a big blow, after the Ulsterman’s storming start to the tour meant he had one hand on the Test jersey. To compound the setback his replacement, Ryan Jones was farcically sent straight home, after the medical staff were not satisfied that he had recovered from the blow to his head suffered on duty for Wales. 

After such a bumpy build-up the Lions did not start smoothly; despite setting up camp in the opposition twenty-two pressure was not turned into points, as the men in red lacked the killer bite to sink the Sharks. 

To their credit, the Lions did not allow their dominance to subside, and slowly but surely the score line started to reflect the game, as the superb Sharks defence eventually began to tire. 

The starting XV was a strong one, and many individuals moved ever closer to securing a starting berth for when the Lions reconvene at the same stadium for the First Test next Saturday. 

Lee Mears was reassuringly solid, with accurate throwing at the lineout and a try that epitomised his darting charges around the rucks. Jamie Heaslip was a wrecking ball of energy in the loose, with a last-gasp opportunistic tap giving him the try he deserved.  

Behind the scrum Mike Phillips was imposing, making incisive breaks and claiming a score thanks to strength, pace and guile. Jamie Roberts rubber-stamped his name on the number twelve jersey with another assured display and a number of barrelling runs.  

He once again linked up well with O’Driscoll whose slight of step and speed of hand put Fitzgerland over in the corner, although the sight of him running out of gas with the try-line in sight after his interception will worry a few. Behind the three-quarters Lee Byrne will undoubtedly start against the Boks, bar injury.  

So: much to be positive about. Indeed, a smile might even have surfaced on Shaun Edwards’ face on Thursday morning. McGeechan described the defence as ‘outstanding, absolutely superb’, and it would be hard to disagree given the Lions managed to keep their line intact for the first time all tour. Even the three points from Kockott’s kick came from a questionable penalty call. 

But the Lions will not be without concerns. The penalty count was high, fifteen in all, too high for a team with serious ambitions of defeating the world champions. Whether it be releasing the ball on the floor, rolling away in the ruck or staying onside in the line; the Lions cannot continue to allow their discipline to lapse. 

True, many of their adjudged ‘infringements’ were harsh, particularly those of Gethin Jenkins. The Welsh prop was constantly pinged by Jonathan Kaplan at scrum time, when it was perhaps du Plessis who deserved the slap on the wrist for his bizarre ‘binding’. 

Referees’ control of the scrum has been a bone of contention since the tour began. Under the ELV’s interpretation of the laws can be loose at best, but Kaplan’s decisions seemed to be based more on guesswork than anything else. 

It is an area where the Lions have the potential to dominate, let’s just hope for fair treatment once the Test series comes around.  

Captain Paul O’Connell described Wednesday as the best performance of the tour, as Britain and Ireland’s finest started to look ‘more like a team’. 

Things are certainly starting to come together, and with the 100% record preserved confidence is growing that these Lions can pull off something special. However, basic errors need to be eradicated to ensure this optimism is not dismissed as romanticism. It can be done, watch this space.  
 

ABSA Park, Durban

Attendance: 21,530 


Sharks (3) 3 
Pen: Kockott 
 
Lions (7) 39  
Tries: Mears, Phillips, Fitzgerald, Byrne, Heaslip Cons: O'Gara 3, Hook  
Pens: O'Gara 2 
 


Sharks: Terblanche, Jordaan (Cronje), Strauss, Swanepoel (Mvovo 17), Vulindlu, Dumond, Kockott (McLeod 70); Carstens (Cilliers 55), Badenhorst (Burden 53), J du Plessis (Carstens 77), Sykes (van den Burg 56), Muller, Botes (Rhodes 70), Deysel, Daniel.



Lions: Byrne, S Williams, O'Driscoll, Roberts (Flutey 64), Fitzgerald, O'Gara (Hook 78), Phillips (Blair 71); Jenkins, Mears (Rees 69), A Jones (Vickery 69), A-W Jones, O'Connell (Shaw 64), Croft, Wallace, Heaslip.

Not used: Joe Worsley.



Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

After devouring the Golden Lions in midweek, the British and Irish counterparts struggled to break their shackles in the Free State as they were pushed right down to the wire by the Cheetahs. 

Their 100% record was maintained thanks to their opponents’ wayward goal kicking and the slight Bloemfontein breeze, a fact not lost on the players judging by their stunned expressions at the final whistle. 

After racing into a 20-0 lead inside the first quarter things suddenly started to go horribly wrong after Stephen Ferris was sent to the naughty bench for not rolling away. The Cheetahs started to snap at the Lions’ heels, and were suddenly on the front foot once they got the nudge over a depleted scrum. 

Had it not been for James Hook’s flawless kicking the Lions’ faces could have been as red as their shirts. There was plenty of talk prior to the tour of the squad lacking a standout goal-kicker, yet the three tens have all performed admirably when they have been asked to step up. The arrival of 1997 hero Neil Jenkins as kicking coach can only have a positive effect, which could make all the difference should the Test series be a tight affair. 

Once again, the Lions’ biggest problem was a lack of dominance at the rucks; they simply lacked the aggression and technique in and around the contact areas. This lack of bite was emphatically highlighted by a gritty performance from the Cheetah’s Heinrich Brussow.  

Having narrowly missed out on a place in the Springbok’s Test squad, the flanker seemed determined to prove a point, almost single-handedly bossing the breakdown and forcing countless turnovers. With no specialist cover for Schalk Burger, Peter de Villiers must be wondering if he has missed a trick. 

The way he turned the game underlined the Lions’ lack of a specialist seven, after Joe Worsley was given a go in an unfamiliar role. What the men in red desperately needed was a predator, foraging for scraps on the floor. It sounds a strange thing to say, but Martyn Williams probably enhanced his Test credentials by sitting in the stands with a shoulder injury. 

We must not ignore the fact that this was a relatively weak Lions team, as Ian McGeechan stayed true to his word by naming the nine players yet to start a game in his team. 

However, the majority of these found themselves mooching about at the back of class rather than putting their hand up for a Test spot.  

Shane Williams tried his best to conjure up some of the magic that saw him voted World Player of the Year in 2008, but with a young and inexperienced centre partnership starving him of decent ball, he was desperately short of tricks up his sleeve. His casual intercepted pass, which reduced the gap to two points and increasing the heart rates around the Lions camp, just about summed up his afternoon. 

With many of the leaders in the squad sitting this one out, the Lions’ lacked a bit of nous, not least Andy Powell. He persisted in using his pace and power to run into men rather than space, and as a result was often turned over. South African defenders are about as forgiving as brick walls, and his insistence on taking them on time and again left him looking stupid rather than streetwise.  

Ian McGeechan has wants a ‘selection headache’ come the Test series, insisting: 

“The fewer easier choices I have to make the better”.  

You can rest assured that after Saturday’s performance he wasn’t reaching for the paracetamol. He has also promised not to give his first choice XV a run-out before the First Test, preferring to continue looking at combinations. 

Yet there is no doubt that the starting team is beginning to take shape. Geech declared the next two games ‘crucial’ for the development of the side that will eventually step out to face the Boks in Durban on 20th June, and his selection for Wednesday is littered with clue as to who it might include. Jamie Roberts and Brian O’Driscoll again start in the centres, looking to build on their promising start, with Riki Flutey itching to get off the bench after recovering from his knee injury. The athletic Alun-Wyn Jones looks to be leading the race to partner Paul O’Connell in the second row, although the captain’s poor form could yet spring a surprise.  

David Wallace has been given the chance to capitalise on Martyn Williams’ absence, while it is Tom Croft’s turn to lay claim to the number six shirt, after Stephen Ferris’ second impressive try of the tour at the weekend.  

It is certainly getting interesting. Next up are the Natal Sharks, who finished sixth in the Super 14 but are stripped of ten Springboks, notably their entire front row of John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis and Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira. 

After leaving the altitude of the Highveld behind the Lions will be hoping for a breath of fresh air as they look to take huge strides towards their big date in Durban. Improvements are needed, and quick.  
 
 


Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein

(Attendance: 23,710) 


Cheetahs (14) 24 
Tries: Dumas, Du Preez, Uys Cons: Potgieter 2, Strydom Pen: Potgieter 
 
Lions (23) 26  
Tries: Ferris, Earls Cons: Hook 2 Pens: Hook 4 


Cheetahs: Daniller; Demas, C Uys, Bosman, Jonker; Potgieter (Strydom 60), de Bruyn (Odenhaal 44); Du Preez, A Strauss (R Strauss 51), Calldo (Nel 47), Breedt (Viljoen 46), de Villiers, Brussow,  F Uys, Scholtz (Floors 64).  
Not Used: Juries.  


Lions: Byrne; Halfpenny, Earls, Fitzgerald (D’Arcy 75), S Williams; Hook, Ellis; Sheridan, Ford (Rees 62), Murray (A Jones 62), O'Callaghan, O'Connell, Ferris, Worsley (Hines 67), Powell.  
Not used: Shaw, Blair, O'Gara.  
 


Ref: Wayne Barnes (England)

That was a bit more like it! After Saturday’s sloppy performance a new look XV turned in a precise and powerful performance, wiping the floor with the Golden Lions. 

Let’s not get carried away, although a big step up from the Royal XV, Wednesday’s opponents still only managed to win four of their Super 14 games, while the sacking of coach Eugene Eloff left a divided squad, bereft of key players.  

Nevertheless, the improvement from the weekend was remarkable. The Lions simply did the basics well, and it all started with the pack. Gatland was pleased they ‘fronted up’, with surging drives and effective clearing out tying up the opposition forwards, allowing the backs to take advantage. 

Surprisingly, the fluent brand of rugby, with offloads aplenty, seemed to come surprisingly naturally to our Lions, given how rarely the Home Nations, bar Wales, adopt such attacking game plans. 

The Welsh axis of nine and ten provided a strong rudder for the team, with a vocal Stephen Jones calling the shots in a commanding performance. 

For me, the most pleasing aspect was the ruthless combination of Roberts and O’Driscoll in midfield. Just as well, given they are only two fit specialist centres on tour, at least until Thursday when Gordon D’arcy arrives as back-up.  

Roberts was once again a constant threat; when he wasn’t charging across the gain line his intimidating physique was being used as a decoy, a perfect foil for O’Driscoll to rediscover his magic touch out wide. And if last night’s shimmies and sidesteps were anything to go by, it’s on the way. 

It will take some performance to wrestle the number 14 Test jersey away from Tommy Bowe, with two more tries last night, not to mention his subtle lines and beautiful offloads which created many more. Ugo Monye also impressed on the left wing, with a brace of tries, scintillating pace, and well-timed defensive interventions.  

Apart from a few scrappy passages of play, the intensity of performance lasted throughout, proven by two tries in the final ten minutes despite being a man down, after Monye was forced off. 

But there were few more deserving of a rest at the final whistle than Gethin Jenkins. After repelling a Todd Clever assault on the Lions line in the last five minutes, it was his ferocious rucking that turned over the ball and allowed Stephen Ferris to show a clean pair of heels with a breakaway try in the last minute. 

What is more, Shaun Edwards will be a much happier man this week when analysing the defensive tapes, with a well-organised and speedy line putting in big hits to knock the opponents off course. However he is a perfectionist and Wednesday wasn’t flawless, proven by the Golden Lions’ try. O’Driscoll was at fault, racing up alone in search of an interception, leaving Monye isolated and easy to pick off.  

Boks coach Peter de Villiers was in the stands to watch, and the men in red would certainly have made him sit up and take notice. After the Bulls superb win over the Chiefs the South African press claimed the Lions would be ‘quaking in their boots’, perhaps now they will be a bit more tight-lipped. The Lions’ tails are most definitely up and wagging, not stuck between their legs. 

Twelve years ago it was John Bentley’s stunning solo effort on the same ground that united the squad and provided the springboard for things to come. This was much more of a group effort, but could yet the same effect.  

This is exactly the boost the Lions needed; when numbers 1 to 22 turn in a performances it puts pressure on those who are next in possession of the shirt to raise the bar, creating a snowball effect. 

One major disappointment, was that for the second match in a row the stadium was a third full, despite reports of a sell-out. Next up are the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday, and after this statement of intent there is bound to be more interest from the locals. One thing is for sure, come the 4th of July and the Final Test Ellis Park will be packed to the rafters. And who knows, if the Lions can build on this momentum, they may just go there with a chance of a series win. 



Ellis Park, Johannesburg

(Attendance: 22,218) 
 


Golden Lions (10) 10 
Tries: Frolick Cons: Pretorius Pens: Pretorius 
British and Irish Lions (39) 74  
Tries: Roberts 2, O'Driscoll, Monye 2, Croft, Bowe 2, Hook, Ferris Cons: Jones 6, Hook 3 Pens: Jones 2 


Golden Lions: Ludik (Frolick 6), Killian, Boshoff (Venter 50), la Grange, Noble, Pretorius, Vermaak (Jonck 66); Alberts, van der Merwe, Grobbelaar, Stoltz ( Joubert 6 and 57), Mockford (Clever 40), Muller, Wepener (Reynecke 57), Sephaka (van Rensburg 50)  


Lions: Kearney, Bowe, O'Driscoll (Williams 61), Roberts (Hook 53), Monye, S Jones (Ellis 62), Phillips; Heaslip, Wallace (Ferris 49), Croft (Powell 66), A-W Jones, Hines, Vickery (Murray 66), Mears (Ford 66), Jenkins.  


Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)  
 

So, not quite the firework display we were hoping for to kick off the tour. But let’s be honest, who was really expecting anything different? 

Thankfully, the Lions record of not losing their opening game since 1971 is still intact, but it was certainly looking a bit hairy for large stages. Trailing 18-3 inside thirty minutes and 25-13 with quarter of an hour remaining, it took a late comeback to salvage Lions pride. 

With the Super 14 Final taking place down the road in Pretoria, which saw South African outfit the Bulls romp to an expected 61-17 victory, the Lions were never going to top the bill this weekend.  

And make no mistake; they certainly didn’t play like main attractions against a scratch side drawn from South African rugby’s third tier.  

The biggest problem was a lack of aggression at the breakdown, but with many players short of match practice and yet to acclimatise to the altitude, not to mention playing together as a unit for the first time, this rustiness was hardly surprising. 

Mike Blair was sluggish around the fringes, and his poor distribution meant the backs found it hard to launch many meaningful attacks. In midfield, Keith Earls appeared to be trying too hard, with a number of basic handling errors. 

But let’s not get too downbeat, there were also a number of positives to take from the game. The tight five’s dominance was disguised by Marius Jonker’s leniency, allowing the scrum to constantly reset, rather than penalising the retiring Royals. Meanwhile, Ronan O’Gara’s goal kicking, which has been exposed as a chink in his armour, was flawless. 

Yet the two stand-out performers were the Welsh pair of Jamie Roberts and Lee Byrne. The young centre made some booming runs from midfield, breaking the gain line with ease, something that will be crucial against the Boks defence. His compatriot meanwhile looks to have made the Test jersey his own, with a reassuringly solid performance as well a superb solo try. 

Although many picked up knocks, team doctor James Robson says they are nothing more than ‘bumps and bruises’, while Stephen Ferris and Andy Powell, who were forced to withdraw from Saturday’s game, are well on the way to recovery. What’s more, Leigh Halfpenny has now rejoined the squad after recovering from his thigh injury. Little does he know that, as the youngest member of the touring party, it will be his responsibility to carry around Lenny, the cuddly mascot. 

Martyn Williams certainly had a point when he said the squad would have learned more from grinding out a victory than coasting to a big win, while skipper Paul O’Connell described the game as ‘a bit of a wake up call’.  

One thing is certain, they looked more like mangy cubs at the weekend, and a lot of grooming is needed before facing up to the Golden Lions of the Super 14, in front of what will be a 61,000 sell-out at Ellis Park. 


Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Rustenburg (Attendance: 12352) 


Royal XV (18) 25 
Tries: Koch, Barnes, Roux Cons: Olivier, Viljoen Pens: Olivier 2 
Lions (10) 37  
Tries: Bowe, Byrne, Wyn Jones, O'Gara Cons: O'Gara 4 Pens: O'Gara 3 


Royal XV: Jeacocks; Seconds, van Rensburg, H Coetzee, Basson; Olivier (Viljoen 58), Pretorius (J Coetzee 68); Buckle (Roberts 60), Barnes (Van der Westhuizen 69), Roux, Mathee, Lombard (Landman 56), Koch, Raubenheimer (Kember 71), Makoena.

Not Used: Bowles.  


Lions: Byrne; Bowe, Earls (Flutey 69), Roberts, S Williams; O'Gara, Blair (Phillips 66); Sheridan, Rees (Mears 69), A Jones (Vickery 66), Shaw (A Jones 66), O'Connell, Worsley, M Williams, Wallace (Heaslip 66).

Not Used: S Jones.  


Ref: Marius Jonker (South Africa).

So, after months of speculation we finally know the 37 names that will form the British & Irish Lions of 2009. Fourteen Irishmen, thirteen Welsh, eight English and two Scots: this is the makeup of the touring party that will attempt to do what only three teams have ever achieved in history: win a Test series in South Africa. 

As is always the case with announcements such as these, there were shock omissions and surprising call-ups.  

The highest-profile casualty must be Ryan Jones, the leading contender for captain prior to the Six Nations, but who has learnt the hard way that Ian McGeechan wasn’t lying when he warned selection would be made based on form and not reputation. Warren Gatland has highlighted Tom Crofts as the unluckiest player to lose out, given he was tipped for a starting spot in the Test side in an attempt to contain the pace of Springbok back-row Pierre Spies. 

Keith Earls, with only two Irish caps, has come from nowhere, cementing his position with a fantastic display for Munster in the demolition of the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup quarter-final.  

Facing up to South Africa, especially in their own backyard, is the most fearsome challenge in rugby union. It is clear that the coaching staff intend to fight fire with fire, proven by the selection of Paul O’ Connell as captain.   

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has claimed he is surprised by this, but this can surely be dismissed as mind games. McGeechan was a successful member of the 1974 tour to South Africa, led by the imposing Willy John McBride, while he himself selected Martin Johnson as skipper in 1997, despite the Englishmen having not yet led either club nor country. The template is tried and tested: a formidable figure to knock on the opposition dressing room door before inspiring his team in the thick of the action.  

However, there are certainly a couple of worries when you assess the shortcomings of the squad. The scrum and lineout will be crucial in asserting authority over the South Africans, and putting ourselves in a position to boss the game. It must be said that we appear somewhat weak in the hooker department. Jerry Flannery is probably the leading contender for the Test jersey, but his throwing was suspect at times during the Six Nations. In Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha South Africa possess two giants at the set-piece, who when they get on top can put a game to bed, proven by the 2007 World Cup final against England. 

Another concern is that the back division does not possess any real glittering game-breakers, especially after Delon Armitage, Danny Cipriani and James Hook were all left out. Brian O’Driscoll is without doubt a talismanic figure who was at the forefront of Ireland’s Grand Slam success. However, his influence was  at its most prominent in close quarters, winning turnover ball and scoring crucial tries from short-range. Hopefully, without the burden of captaincy on his shoulders he will be able to concentrate on rediscovering his electricity out wide. Were a finely balanced Test match in need of a spark of invention, does this squad have a prolific runner in its ranks to come up trumps? 

I would suggest not, which would mean winning a game that was balanced on a knife edge would require a reliable goal kicker. Ronan O’Gara is prone to buckling under pressure, while Stephen Jones is steady but hardly world-class. Leigh Halfpenny is always an option, but is not guaranteed a Test spot. 

It is a close one to call, but world champions South Africa must surely start as favourites. But let’s not get too downbeat. This Lions squad is full of experience, tenacity and skill. Tour manager Gerald Davies has already insisted that there will be no complaints this summer, unlike in 2005 when Clive Woodward’s bloated squad full of questionable English picks clouded the atmosphere.  

Many decorated players’ have described tours such as these as the pinnacle of their careers, where the spirit of the squad and siege mentality can inspire miracles. It is certainly a mouthwatering prospect. 

Stay with O’Shea Sport for extensive coverage of the Lions this summer, with my Tour diary. I will be flying out to South Africa on June 16th, in time for the warm-up game against the Emerging Springboks as well as all three Test matches. Look out for my mate Ollie and I as we travel with the hoards of British fans, dressed in furry lion costumes and the famous red and white strip.  

We can hardly wait, and I’m sure you can’t either. 
 


Lions squad in full: 


Full Backs:

Lee Byrne (Wales)

Rob Kearney (Ireland) 


Wings:

Shane Williams (Wales)

Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

Ugo Monye (England)

Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)

Tommy Bowe (Ireland) 


Centres:

Tom Shanklin (Wales)

Jamie Roberts (Wales)

Riki Flutey (England)

Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Keith Earls (Ireland) 


Fly-Halves:

Ronan O’Gara (Ireland)

Stephen Jones (Wales) 


Scrum-Halves

Mike Phillips (Wales)

Harry Ellis (England)

Tomas O’Leary (Ireland) 


Props:

Gethin Jenkins (Wales)

Adam Jones (Wales)

Andrew Sheridan (England)

Phil Vickery (England)

Euan Murray (Scotland) 


Hookers:

Jerry Flannery (Ireland)

Lee Mears (England)

Matthew Rees (Wales) 


Locks:

Paul O’Connell (Ireland)

Donncha O’Callaghan (Ireland)

Alun Wyn-Jones (Wales)

Nathan Hines (Scotland)

Simon Shaw (England) 


Back Row:

Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)

Martyn Williams (Wales)

Joe Worsley (England)

David Wallace (Ireland)

Alan Quinlan (Ireland)

Stephen Ferris (Ireland)

Andy Powell (Wales) 
 


Lions Itinerary in South Africa 2009 


30 May:

Highveld XV v Lions (1400 BST, 1500 local time) 
Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg  


3 June:

Golden Lions v Lions (1810 BST, 1910 local time) 
Ellis Park, Johannesburg  


6 June:

Free State Cheetahs v Lions (1400 BST, 1500 local time) 
Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein  


10 June:

Sharks v Lions (1810 BST, 1910 local time) 
ABSA Park, Durban  


13 June:

Western Province v Lions (1400 BST, 1500 local time) 
Newlands, Cape Town  


16 June:

Coastal XV v Lions (1400 BST, 1500 local time) 
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth  


20 June:

South Africa v Lions (first Test) (1400 BST, 1500 local time) 
ABSA Park, Durban  


23 June:

Emerging Springboks v Lions (1810 BST, 1910 local time) 
Newlands, Cape Town  


27 June:

South Africa v Lions (second Test) (1400 BST, 1500 local time) 
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria  


4 July:

South Africa v Lions (third Test) (1400 BST, 1500 local time) 
Ellis Park, Johannesburg

The Lions squad that touched down in Johannesburg airport on Monday looked a little different to the list of 37 names that was originally announced back in April. A combination of dreadful luck and lack of discipline has done for an unfortunate few in the original touring party, forcing Ian McGeechan to ring the changes. 

The first casualty was Irish scrum-half Tomás O’Leary, who was left to contemplate a summer on crutches rather than a summer on tour after breaking his ankle playing for Munster three days after he received his call-up. Scotland captain Mike Blair was eventually named as his replacement, having guided Edinburgh to a second-place finish in the Magners League. 

The second withdrawal due to injury came after Tom Shanklin dislocated his shoulder playing for the Blues, meaning he would require reconstructive surgery and sixteen weeks recuperation. McGeechan later revealed that no replacement would be named for the Welshman, although it is likely that a new face will be flown out to join the tour party later, bringing with him fresh impetus to help raise the squad. 

The Lions congregated at Pennyhill Park in Surrey last week for a training camp before their departure. The coaching staff were quick to express their pleasure at the commitment and intensity of the players, but this was not without its consequences. Irish hooker Jerry Flannery, widely tipped for the number two Test jersey, chipped a bone in is elbow on Wednesday, meaning he was also unable to board the plane on Sunday.As a result Ross Ford became the fourth Scot in the party, who brings with him bulk and power in abundance. 

The final injury to hit the Lions was not quite so concerning. Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny will miss the start of the tour, after it was agreed it would be more beneficial for him to remain in Cardiff until he has recovered from his minor thigh injury, and then fly out once fully fit. Until that time, compatriot James Hook will warm his seat. 

In a contact sport such as rugby injuries such as these are virtually unavoidable, and therefore hardly surprising. However, when a player actually tears up his ticket to the Southern hemisphere it is baffling to say the least.  

Alan Quinlan, the most surprising inclusion in the Lions squad was last week handed a 12-week ban for gouging Leinster’s captain Leo Cullen in the Heineken Cup semi-final. Yes, it is easy to lose your head, especially in the rough and tumble of the back row, but there is no place for gouging in the game and no excuse for someone of Quinlan’s experience to have made such a stupid mistake.  

You can rest assured that nobody will be more frustrated than the Irishman himself, having needlessly ruined the pinnacle of his career and thrown away his last chance to take part in one of rugby’s most prestigious traditions. As a result, England and Leicester’s Tom Croft was left to pack his bags and claim the place that many felt he deserved in the first place. Gatland has this week stressed the need for dynamism at the breakdown, and there are few better-equipped than Croft to provide this. 

But fear not. The Boks are not without injury concerns of their own. Conrad Jantjes – the in-form full-back broke his leg at that start of the month playing for the Stormers, while his likely replacement, Francois Steyn, is currently nursing a knee injury.  

Fly-half Butch James has torn his cruciate knee ligaments, meaning he will play no part this summer, and responsibility will fall onto the shoulders of Ruan Pienaar. Although the relatively inexperienced utility back impressed at ten in the Autumn internationals, facing the Lions will certainly be a step up. 

To add to South African stress, Jean de Villiers has a groin injury that will severely limit his match practice before the First Test on 20th June, while fellow centre Adrian Jacobs also has a shoulder problem. Schalk Burger and Fourie du Preez are both currently contending with calf strains, not to mention Andries Bekker, who has a bruised rib. 

With the tour starting proper on Saturday against a Royal XV in Rustenburg, there are bound to be more casualties as players put their bodies on the line in pursuit of a place in the Test XV.  

In other news the beaten-up old Land Rover which we are relying on to transport us between matches has received a Lions paint job to die for, while the addition of mohican manes and furry tale-tips means our costumes are now complete. All that remains to be done is pack my bags.  

Excitement is certainly mounting ahead of what promises to be one of the most memorable Lions tours ever.