Just over 24 hours before the Lions take to the field again. Queensland Reds lie in wait. Les Kiss, that wily old fox who used to be DoR at Ulster, then Head Coach at London Irish has picked a strong side, including several from the Wallaby squad. Yes, a number of first choice players such as Fraser McReight and Tate McDermott are still in Wallaby camp but nevertheless this will still be a stiff test for Andy Farrell’s charges.

Suncorp Stadium is a fantastic 52,500 seat arena close to Brisbane city centre. The roads around the ground will be packed with fans from both sides, and the bars close by packed to the rafters. Having been lucky enough to have been there, twice in fact, I know what the Lions fans can expect. They’re in for a treat.

Those from farther afield will be emptying off the trains and trams as they trundle into Roma Street Station for the short walk to the ground. The locals love their sport and are passionate about the Reds. Banter aplenty me thinks.

Oh, sorry to jump around, just remembered to clarify yesterday’s comment about the zoo. It is the world famous Australia Zoo founded by the late Steve Irwin and now run by his family. Certainly in 2013 it was an amazing day out.

Right, back to tomorrow. We will get our first chance to run the rule over the likely test combination of Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell at #9 and #10. They both can be impetuous, unpredictable and that is what the game needs and wants. However, as the key lynch pins of the side they need to work in tandem. I expect them to go well together.

What about the skipper Maro itoje. Largely anonymous against Argentina, he has plenty to prove. Big Joe McCarthy stepped up to the plate on Saturday and Tadgh Beirne was no slouch in both games thus far.

Farrell has an abundance of riches at his disposal so tomorrow is another opportunity for players to stake a claim for a test spot. Huw Jones in the centre is one to watch. I think him alongside Tuipulotu in the test side would be a great combination.

It is way too early to be thinking about test selection, but right now who is in the frame to start. Front row we have Ellis Genge and Dan Sheehan. Second row on last week alone Joe McCarthy. Back row: Henry Pollock. Half-backs, it has to be the two trotting out tomorrow. Full-back is Eliot Daly. Everything else is up for grabs. In essence, selection is wide open.

Moving on, my good friend Colin has been in touch, and having been a very good back row forward in the day, he asks: was it satisfactory for Ben O’Keefe to arbitrarily eliminate jackling from the game. Colin is arguing that the referee managed the game in a way that jackling was effectively banned. I thought the merry whistle blower had a good game and kept the game flowing. All too often the defender over the ball is not holding up his own body weight, has not latched onto the ball immediately, nor tried to lift it. All too often it is about stopping the opposition playing, rather than turning the ball over. On that basis I have no problem with the referee being very strict on the interpretation. However, Colin makes a good point by asking did he go too far, and can that be justified. I don’t know the answer so feel free to comment. I’ll ask my mum for her opinion on the subject. All I can reiterate is; I thought O’Keefe had a good game and the game seemed to flow in the way the game should.

Before moving on, I know I am an opinionated clown who thinks he knows a lot, when maybe I know very little. As a consequence PLEASE let me have your views. bleater@crowboroughrugby.com

Calling all Welsh fans. My mate Milgi has been in touch and confirms that Japan v Wales IS on TV. 06:00 on Saturday on BBC 1 Wales. Access via your SKY box, or via IPlayer, or via the ‘red button’. The second test will be covered by S4C. All the same sources.

Ok, before moving on to today’s Spanish lesson I must confess I had a bit of rant on Friday at Friday Club. I was agitated by the ordering of fighter jets while here at home the care system is in a mess. By the way that fighter jet announcement was smoke and mirrors. They’ve been on order for some time. I also got agitated about the benefits u-turn. On reflection I should have made my feelings on the subject clearer. In society there are many who are genuinely disadvantaged. We should ensure they get the best support they can. There is a risk with the cuts proposed to disability benefits that those most in need would be adversely affected. That is NOT right. However, I stand by my assertion that the welfare system is in desperate need of change. There are way too many who are milking the system, the exponential growth in claims for mental health disability is a perfect example. The millions who will again receive a winter fuel allowance only for them to put it towards holidays, or in my case the winter drinks bill. It is too easy for people to opt out of work when they are fit and able to work. None of that can be right. Equally those in the employ of the state hang on to their gold plated pensions as we mere mortals are being squeezed from every angle. That also is not right.

Monday 30th Jun: 08:25

And then there was one. Yes, the devastating news that Tomos Williams hamstring injury is worse than first thought means he is on his way home leaving just Jac Morgan as Wales only representative on the tour. That view is somewhat jingoistic as the bigger story is after Williams positive showing against Argentina, and then against the Force, he was in the running for a test spot. Sadly it’s not to be.

One man’s disappointment, is another man’s joy. Scotland’s Ben White, who was unlucky not to be selected originally, is leaving Scotland’s base in Whangarei in New Zealand to join the Lions party in Brisbane. By the way Whangarei is at the heart of Maori culture and a stunning North Island location.

The Lions left Perth on yesterday arriving four hours later in Brisbane. Now on the east coast clocks will have been reset losing two hours from Perth time. After a night’s sleep Andy Farrell wasted no time by updating the media about Williams, and announcing the team to face The Reds on Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium. It is all change with only Finn Russell keeping his starting berth. Maro Itoje returns as captain with Hugo Keenan and Jamison Gibson-Park starting. Huw Jones and Bundee Aki are paired in the centre with Tommy Freeman and Duhan van der Merwe completing the back line. Some wouldn’t be too disappointed if that was the starting line up in the first test. I might be, as Hansen and Lowe did more than enough on Saturday to be in the frame

The forwards by comparison will have to put in stellar performances if they are to be trotting out against Australia in a couple of weeks time. Porter, Kelleher and Stuart feels like a second string front row. In the second row Ollie Chessum has a chance to stake a claim. The back row of Curry, Morgan and Conan will also need a strong showing to displace those who played so well against the Force.

Following Williams’ departure Alex Mitchell has to be included on the bench. Garry Ringrose is the only other player from Saturday to be included.

The Reds will be a step up again in terms of opposition. They finished a creditable 5th in Super Rugby, and are a real handful at home at Suncorp. As with all the games it kicks off at 11:00 which is 20:00 local time.

What can the fans expect. The city is the capital of Queensland and straddles the Brisbane River. It is a modern city with pockets of fascinating history. Those staying in the city will have a wide choice of bars and restaurants to choose from, and likely to find it cheaper than Perth. Some will have opted to stay on the Gold Coast, a cross between Las Vegas and Miami, a magnet for those who like to party. Just over an hour from central Brisbane this is an ideal alternative, or so I have been told. I can be more certain that the Sunshine Coast, just under 2 hours from central Brisbane, is another great location. In 2013 this is where we stayed for the Reds game. Much more subdued with mile after mile of sandy beaches and azure blue seas. Zoos might not be high on the average Lions fan’s list of tourist attractions but I can assure you it is an amazing destination, and well worth the trip. About 30 minutes out of the city and you are there.

The World Under 20s got underway yesterday with a comfortable win for England against Scotland. The game was marred by an unacceptable act of thuggery by England’s George Timmins. No 20 minute red, this was the full red card. Wales lost to Argentina in what was a cracking game. Wales thought they had won but a late try was ruled out for a ‘croc roll’. Argentina snatched victory at the death. RugbyPassTV for coverage. Other winners were South Africa, France, New Zealand and Ireland. The next round of games is on Friday. World Rugby website for all the details.

The Bard has been in touch from France. He tells me he watched the Toulouse v Bordeaux Begles game and I didn’t do it justice. He states it was a ‘bloody great game’ and ‘a shame one side had to lose’. As I mentioned I was trying to get in touch with my feminine side by multi-tasking. I was also watching on a very small screen. I stand corrected.

Plenty across the media about Glastonbury. There is a fine line between free speech, which we should all strive to uphold, and incitement to hate. I think those screaming hatred towards Israel crossed a line. That said I continue to believe the actions of Israel in Gaza are an absolute disgrace.

Sunday 29th Jun: 08:35

Well, that was better. A comfortable win in the end with some excellent performances across the park. That said, the opposition wasn’t a team ranked 5th in the world, it was a mid-table at best Super Rugby outfit missing a number of their best players.

Let me get a few negatives out of the way first. The penalty count was unacceptable. On a different day poor discipline could prove to be costly. The scrum was ok but not great. There were still a number of unforced errors, to be fair, in part due to new combinations bedding in.

Way more positives to consider however. A number of players stood out. Let me focus on five of them.

Tomos Williams looked like a proper, top flight international scrum half. Not just because he scored two tries, his all round game was excellent. Everything he did, he did well. Him going off with a serious looking hamstring injury is a huge concern.

Finn Russell had a very good game. Not the flashy, maverick Russell. This was the consummate professional at #10 playing with confidence and maturity. As stated pre-match I can see Williams (if fit) and Russell being the test combination.

Elliot Daly at full-back. I had concerns with this selection. Boy, didn’t he prove me, and others wrong. A rock solid performance in defence and attack. Safe under the high ball, and always making the right decision.

Joe McCarthy was outstanding. Everything he did, whether it was the grunt in the scrum or lineout, or the flashy stuff in the loose was excellent. His work rate was mighty impressive and getting on the scoreboard with a try wide out was just reward for a man of the match performance. Not sure about his choice of hairstyle however!!

Then we have young Mr Henry Pollock. He pushed McCarthy hard for the MotM accolade. He was impressive from start to finish. Not just his line-break that set up Williams’ first try, or the break with the chip and chase, but his all round contribution. It was interesting how the Australia media latched on to him straight away post match. He is definitely the poster boy of the squad. But, and it is a big ‘but’, he conceded several penalties and spent ten minutes in the bin, when, if he had listened, the infringement was avoidable. The pathetic push after the Daly try was unwarranted, as were the histrionics when he thought he had been tripped, and the deliberate holding down of a player post tackle was lucky not to be punished. He is, if he keeps his feet on the ground, and head out of the clouds, a superstar in the making.

A couple of moments that will stick in the memory. I have already mentioned Pollock’s breaks. The Russell tap penalty was a thing of beauty. Williams second try was a beauty following superb support play. A special mention for the Force #11 Mr Peach. He had a splendid game with some mazy runs, and dynamic tackling.

There were plenty of other positives to consider, but again they are against a back drop of a weakened opposition.

Mr Ben O’Keefe needs some praise too. I for one thought he was excellent. He kept the game going, was empathetic at the breakdown, and his communication top notch. Well done sir.

The squad will be well on their way to Brisbane now. More analysis tomorrow and a little bit about what the fans can expect in and around Brisbane.

I watched a significant part of Toulouse v Bordeaux Begles last night FREE, courtesy of TV Monde 5. It was ok. A plethora of French stars on show. Blair Kinghorn was on the wing for Toulouse but pretty anonymous in my view. With France heading to New Zealand today Msr Galthie will be troubled seeing Ntamack go off on 38 minutes, and Bielle-Biarrey leave the field on 41 minutes, later to be seen on crutches.

Multi-tasking I had an eye on England U21 beating their German counterparts in the European Championships. Some of the football was excellent.

The Austrian Scaletrix today. It should be less boring than most. In truth, I like the F1.

Thursday 26th Jun: 09:15

The team has been announced and there are a couple of surprises. The headline is of course Henry Pollock starting at No.8. He is a flanker by trade and the fact he has been selected ahead of Jack Conan, who is on the bench, would need some investigation. It is a bold decision that is for sure. Tadhg Beirne at #6 is another interesting call, especially when there are plenty of multi-talented back row players in the squad.

Finn Russell starts, as expected, and is partnered by Tomos Williams. A slightly biased view but I can see this as the test pairing. What is interesting is Alex Mitchell is on the bench meaning Jamieson Gibson-Park is still not ready to return to the fray.

Huw Jones is on the bench with Garry Ringrose starting alongside Sione Tuipulotu. As Jones is recovering from injury surely it makes more sense for him to start than to come on and then find he is not as ready as originally thought.

No Hugo Keenan in the match day squad indicating he too is still receiving treatment. Eliot Daly fills in at full back, with Marcus Smith on the bench. Oh how Andy Farrell needs Blair Kinghorn to arrive. It does beg the question whether picking non UK based players makes any sense. Kinghorn is a brilliant player but he won’t arrive until the middle of next week at the earliest. The answer is ‘yes’, of course he had to be selected.

Unsurprisingly Dan Sheehan captains the side.

The Force have named their side and it includes a number of seasoned pros. The wind-up merchant extraordinaire Nic White starts, as does Ollie Hoskins formerly of Sarries. The player to watch out for is Nick Champion de Crespigny. He is the recent call up to the Wallaby squad after an impressive Super Rugby season. By the way, with names now on the back of the shirts he must have broad shoulders.

The full match squads are available across the media.

A reminder that the game kicks off at 11:00 and is exclusive to SKY. S4C do have extended highlights later in the day.

Yesterday I mentioned Freemantle jail. It was a great tour which included the solitary confinement wing where inmates were allowed to paint the walls. When I say paint, these were quite attractive murals depicting a wide range of themes. The other highlight was the hanging room. Here during the period the jail was in operation 44 executions took place. Seeing how the mechanism worked was fascinating.

If you ever get to Oz, have Perth on your itinerary, and definitely get into Freemantle.

In other news Wales have arrived in Japan where two tests lie in wait. According to WalesOnline the training has been brutal, especially as they try and replicate the hot and humid conditions the team will encounter. Based on Wales limited resources and long injury list it is a pretty inexperienced squad. Two wins will go a little way to restoring confidence. It is a real shame there is no TV coverage…… as of yet.

Before I go, it seems Sir U-Turn is about to show us another of his washing machine style spins. Yes, a U-turn on benefit cuts is about to become a reality. The welfare system is out of control. Pensions continue to raise. Unemployment and disability payments are allegedly out of control, way too easy to jump on the benefit gravy train. Then you have the gold plated civil service pension schemes. Something has to give, which is why I was supportive of the cuts being proposed, and the tightening of the eligibility criteria. Being a cynical old goat, the MPs who are rebelling don’t have their constituents at heart, they are looking at the polls and thinking about their jobs, if you call being an MP a job!!

If, as stated by Ms The Hood Reeves, the country has no money, how on earth can we afford to be spending billions on defence contracts, probably at inflated prices??? If this sort of money is available why isn’t going into the massively underfunded, and creaking at the seams, care system?

Back on Sunday, hopefully with a reduced blood pressure. The motorways await right now!

Wednesday 25th Jun: 07:55

Well, here I am in Bridgnorth again. A long day yesterday and an equally long day ahead today. So much to cram into these flying visits. This drivel however remains a priority if for no other reason it kick starts my brain into gear most mornings.

The Lions have arrived in Perth, a wonderful city, sometimes considered to be the most remote in the world based on the fact it is on the western edge of Australia. A city of around 2.3m. Flowing through the city is the Swan River alongside which you’ll find Langley Park. In 2013 the Lions actually trained in the park rather than at the Subiaco Oval where the game was due to be played. Their base this time around is Hale School which is a drive away from the CBD. The fans will have plenty to keep them entertained. The Brass Monkey and the Lucky Shag are two must go to bars. Cottesloe Beach is a short bus or train ride from the centre and is absolutely gorgeous. Freemantle with its iconic balconied streets, its famous market, and the old jail is well worth a trip. We did the jail tour in 2013 and it was fantastic. The game is being played at the state of the art Optus Satdium which is located on a promontory jutting out into the Swan river. Nearby is the racecourse and across the river is the famous WACA cricket ground.

I’m hoping the team will be announced overnight so I can include comment tomorrow before hitting the motorway network. I anticipate a very much changed side with most of Friday’s non-starters getting a game.

Plenty in the papers about the war of words surrounding team selection. On many occasions the pre-test games have seen under strength opposition wheeled out to face the Lions. As part of the tours contract there is a clause stating the sides fielded should be the strongest possible. Joe Schmidt is saying this is not the case. Some players have been released back to Western Force, but not all. Schmidt argues, quite rightly, that Andy Farrell is not going to play his strongest side in every game so why should he put is best players in ‘harms way’ ahead of the test series. Going back to 2013 the then coach of the Force, Michael Foley, put out a very much weakened team, much to the chagrin of many, including me.

Finn Russell has defended the inclusion of the plethora of non-British players in the squad. I have a degree of sympathy with the argument that it detracts from the history of the Lions, especially where only the pathetic residency rule is in play. However, they have earned the right to be there by being the best players, maybe not in van der Merwe’s case, in their respective positions. Yep, move on and give them your support.

A couple of other rugby snippets. Despite getting a two match ban, and a trip back to school, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been picked in England’s squad to Argentina. This seems a luxury to me but I guess Steve Borthwick has his reasons.

Dan Biggar has announced his retirement from the game. Following Toulon’s exit from the Top 14 play-offs Biggar has said it is time to move on. Another player, not always popular due to his on-field petulance at times, who has had a stellar career with caps aplenty, including the coveted caps for the Lions, is hanging up his boots. By the way, I remember former Osprey coach, and now TV pundit Sean Holley saying that Biggar on the field could be a nightmare, but off it you wouldn’t meet a nicer bloke.

The 2025 Under 20 Championship kicks off on Sunday in Italy. England play Scotland, Wales face Argentina. This is usually a great tournament and if any of it is on TV it is well worth seeking out. I understand RugbyPass or the World Rugby website might be your best bet.

Before wrapping up a mention for England’s cricketers. What a splendid win yesterday. Chasing down 371 against any team is amazing, but against the mighty Indians is a different ball game altogether.

Off to do my Spanish now, then a load of paperwork for my dear old mum. Back tomorrow.

Monday 23rd Jun: 08:55

The Lions are now in Australia after their flight from Dublin, via Qatar, to Perth. The real tour starts now. There is plenty of analysis of the game against Argentina to dissect but there is very little consistency. I thought Freeman on the wing did ok, others disagree. I felt Marcus Smith was out of place at full back, others thought he managed admirably. There is a degree of unity when it comes to Ellis Genge. He did himself no harm at all, and Tomos Williams has put himself in the frame, especially as Jamieson Gibson-Park is still struggling with injury, a glute problem apparently.

That game is now history and the squad must now look forward to the challenges that lie in wait. Western Force will be no pushover so they need to sharpen that cutting edge and cut out the basic mistakes that were evident on Friday night.

Andy Farrell is likely to throw many of those who missed out on Friday into the fray. The Leinster contingent are likely to feature strongly, and I expect Finn Russell to be in the match day squad, probably starting. We’ll know later in the week. Two players who won’t feature are Hugo Keenan, still suffering with a calf injury, and Blair Kinghorn who is still in France with Toulouse.

It would be wrong to move on without mentioning the passing of Lions great Ian McLauchlan at the age of 83. ‘ Mighty Mouse’ as he was affectionately known thanks to his powerful scrummaging despite weighing a measly 14st 6lb, truly tiny by comparison to today’s monsters. He captained Scotland and played for the Lions with aplomb. May he rest in peace.

I haven’t seen any of the match but I understand it was a pretty enjoyable encounter with England losing to France at the death. The game was shown on RugbyPass for a while before the feed collapsed. How embarrassing is that? I didn’t bother watching a) because it was England and b) because Saturday was a day to be outside enjoying the company of my friend Rose. The big talking point was the red card shown to Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. From everything I have read it was a slam-dunk. So much so that plenty are saying it should have been a straight red and a full sending off rather than the pathetic 20 minute red card. The big French forward Cameron Woki also saw red for a dangerous entry into a ruck. This was less clear cut apparently.

Steve Borthwick must now rally the troops as Argentina are up next. Los Pumas will be boosted by their French contingent and riding high after Friday’s win in Dublin. Both tests are live on SKY by the way.

Toulouse and Bordeaux Begles triumphed in the Top 14 play-offs and will battle it out on Saturday. Premier Sports will have the game live if you are interested.

Going back to the 20 minute red card, it has been confirmed it will be in place for the Lions series, and for all top flight rugby from next season. I’m sorry but I think it is a mistake. There is a high risk that it becomes a thugs charter knowing that your side will only be down to 14 for 20 minutes. Yes, I know there is the option for the officials to show a straight red, but early evidence is they won’t. They’ll bottle it leaving it to the chinless wonder in the truck.

That’s about it rugby wise except to say if you are Welsh and hoping to watch Japan v Wales in the coming weeks then it seems you’ll be disappointed. I can’t find any indication that the two tests will be shown on TV.

The proper news is dominated by Donald Trump signing off the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The world is already a dangerous place when you have Trump, Nentanyahu, Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un already sabre rattling, and worse. These bombings have taken the threat of Armageddon to another level.

On that terrifying note I’ll leave it there. Back on Wednesday as I have another flying visit to Bridgnorth to navigate.

Sunday 22nd Jun: 08:35

Right now you certainly can’t complain about the weather. Being British, oh yes we can. It’s too hot. We need the rain. Sorry, but right now this suits me fine. What doesn’t suit me is a neighbour who thinks a) it is acceptable with a water shortage pending to waste this valuable resource by jet-washing their drive, and b) do it with the noisiest jet-washer ever.

Anyway, the two of you who read this guff, and you mum, want to hear my views on Friday’s loss to Los Pumas. Firstly, the result came as no surprise to some who recognise the quality now available to Argentina, especially now many ply their trade across Europe. Equally the Lions have only been together for a few days, with many of what might be called first choice players unavailable for selection.

The close to 52,000 crammed into the Aviva Stadium would have enjoyed the contest, not necessarily the result. The Lions, after a very long and demanding season, looked disjointed at times, lacking a cutting edge, and in some cases off their game. Decision making was erratic and accuracy in both handling and passing disappointingly poor at times.

Los Pumas by comparison played with pace and a higher degree of skill, and all too often in those 50/50 areas came out on top.

Six tries in the game, one a penalty try following a moment of panic by Los Pumas prop Vivas. The pick of them was Tadgh Beirne’s exquisite running line and laser guided pass from Tomos Williams, and Cordero’s kick and chase with Argentina counter-attacking from deep.

Andy Farrell has much to ponder. Those musings will be who has put themselves forward and who has taken a backward step, plus what needs changing.

Let me do the negative stuff first. As already mentioned accuracy and decision making, plus the need to sharpen the cutting edge. This means Aki and Tuipulotu shouldn’t be paired together again. One or the other. The lineout was far from its best and needs to be a focus for improvement. In terms of players, Duhan van der Merwe was the biggest ‘loser’. Going forward he made little impact, under the high ball he was ‘wobbly’ at best, and in defence he was far from dynamic. Strangely Maro Itoje was anonymous, a cause for concern. Marcus Smith is not a full-back at this level.

Positive stuff now. The scrum, against a big Argentinian outfit, performed well. Tomos Williams looked sharp when he came on and brought a degree of urgency to the play. Ellis Genge was rock solid and on this form is a ‘shoe-in’ for the test team. Tommy Freeman did his chances no harm. When the Lions were direct with dynamism they looked good. This is something to build on. Mack Hansen was another who looked sharp coming off the bench.

Then there is ‘it was alright’. In essence no-one was outrageously poor but those who didn’t get a start on Friday will be thinking ‘a good showing when I start will keep me in the frame, obviously if I play well’.

A mention for Henry Pollock. He is obviously going to be the poster boy for the squad. The fans clearly like him, and when he came on for Jac Morgan he did ok. A black mark for that missed tackle that led to the try however. Is he going to be in the test squad? Too early to say.

It starts for real on Saturday when Western Force lie in wait. Joe Schmidt has let some of his would be Wallabies play in that one.

Moving on, congratulations to the Crusaders. They lift the Super Rugby trophy after a dogged display against a battle hardened Chiefs side. I’ve seen better games to be honest.

Next season’s CRFC fixtures are now out. Cranbrook away up first on Sept 6th. Go to RFU London, look for the ‘news’ section, then follow the links to Counties 1 Kent.

Back tomorrow with more guff, including England’s loss to France.

Thursday 19th Jun: 09:15

What a gorgeous start to the day, and the weather is set fair into the weekend. I know it’s not to everybody’s liking, especially gardeners, but bring it on.

Likewise bring on the Lions. Andy Farrell has announced his team to face Los Pumas. Nine Englishmen start, mainly due to the fact many of the Irish contingent were involved in the URC final on Saturday. Marcus Smith at full back and Fin Smith at outside half is testament to their talents. Alex Mitchell gets the nod ahead of Tomos Williams at #9. It makes sense with Smith F at #10; a club and country partnership. The back line is packed with leviathans which might be an indication of how Farrell intends to go into the rest of the tour. The selection of Tuipolotu, Van der Merwe and Aki is interesting as all three are fresh back from injuries. I guess this could be a case of giving them this game and see if they hold up.

The pack looks strong and highlights the abundance of riches at Farrell’s disposal. Tom Curry, Jac Morgan and Ben Earl is an exciting back row. A very disruptive back row. Naturally Itoje starts with Tadhg Beirne his partner. Finlay Bealham is thrown straight into the front row.

The story from the bench is the inclusion of Henry Pollock. Plenty of talent available but in my view, with the exception of Williams, most won’t feature in the test 23.

Los Pumas will be led by Julian Motoya fresh from the disappointment of Saturday’s Premiership final. It is a less than full strength Argentinian side due to the fact many of the French based players are still involved in the Top 14 play-offs. There is still enough talent across the pitch to give The Lions are decent test. Any side with Pablo Matera, Joaquin Oviedo and Santiago Carreras will always offer up a challenge. I can’t see beyond a Lions win however.

The game is being played at the impressive Aviva Stadium in front of an expected 51,700 capacity crowd, just a 45 minute walk from Temple Bar, Dublin’s party district. A district also now known for its rip-off prices. Guinness costing sometimes as much a 11euros a pint. The hotels will be packed, including the Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge close to the RDS Show Ground. This is where I used to stay when working with the Jamesons Irish Whiskey team.

However, I went to Dublin with Mrs Bleater in the 90s to watch a brother play for England against Ireland at the old Landsdown Road Stadium. We stayed at place called O’Sheas. It was a bit of a dump as the decision to go to Ireland was a late one. It was all we could get. We booked in and found the room was bereft of a TV. One should have been in the room. No biggy as were going out on the town but we mentioned it on our way out. After an excellent night with, strangely enough, a gaggle of Welsh people (you go figure) we returned to the hotel. Yes, the TV was now in the room………. WITHOUT a plug. God bless the Irish. By the way Ireland won and bro was dropped from the next series of games.

The Australians are preparing for the tests ahead with a warm-up game against Fiji. It is a pretty strong squad packed with tried and tested players who have proven their worth in Super Rugby. One notable absentee is James O’Connor. In good form with the Crusaders in New Zealand but clearly out of favour with Joe Schmidt. Former Leicester wing Harry Potter, he’s magic, is included. Just two uncapped players make the squad; Nick Champion de Crespigny (that’s some moniker) and Corey Toole. Toole has been sensational in Super Rugby. A player with pace, guile and strength. No captain has been named yet.

Unsurprisingly the horrors unfolding in the Middle East take up plenty of column inches. An all out war with the US being dragged into it is terrifying. Sir U-Turn cannot be drawn into the conflict like that duplicitous lying tow-rag Tony Blair was over Iraq and Afghanistan.

On that note, have a great weekend. Walking rugby tonight, Friday Club tomorrow, and I’ll be back on Sunday with a review of tomorrow’s game.

Be careful in the sun. Factor 50 and a hat. Be safe!

Wednesday 18th Jun: 08:20

Not long to wait now. It starts on Friday but the real challenge starts a week on Saturday in Perth. Yes, I’m talking about the Lions. It is a shame that true rugby people, people who keep the game going across the United Kingdom, are now scrabbling around to find places to watch the games. Whilst I subscribe to SKY and can sit here in the knowledge I’ll be able to watch all games live and uninterrupted that is far from the case for all. It is a crying shame that SKY have priced rugby clubs out. The cost was, for your local, well run rugby club like ours, excessive to say the least. When the sums were done to see if it could be made to ‘wipe its face’ it was a no brainer. ‘Sorry we can’t afford it’. People are now looking at membership at local clubs where they do have SKY, or grovelling to mates about going round to their place. I understand the economics of sport and the need for revenue but for the future of rugby not having some games accessible free-to-air is short sighted.

What options are available other than SKY. The game on Friday against Los Pumas is on terrestrial TV via S4C. There will be English commentary. After that you can buy a monthly subscription to NOW TV. S4C will show extended highlights of every game with Welsh commentary. For the record, that will probably make more sense than commentary from David Flatman or Austin Healey!!!!! Of course, and I DO NOT advocate this, an illegal firestick will work too.

Friday is a marketing gimmick, as was the warm-up game in Hong Kong 12 years ago. It is a ‘thank you’ to the IRFU for their support and part of the anniversary celebrations. With so many players missing it will tell us little. As stated, Perth is where it all really starts. Those on one of the tours will have an amazing time. Yes there is a lot packing and unpacking, and waiting at airports but as an experience it is ‘one of a lifetime’. I’m currently rereading our diary from 2013. Yes, those going to Oz will love it. Closer to home all games kick off at 11:00 in the morning, never too early for a beer or three. The addition of the Aus/NZ fixture in Adelaide is a bonus. If you’ve been there you’ll know how gorgeous Adelaide is. A fantastic city.

Too early for predictions, especially as under Joe Schmidt Australia have had a renaissance, and whilst the New Zealand franchises still dominate Super Rugby the Australian sides have been very competitive.

With the exception of Blair Kinghorn, who is still in action in France, the entire squad has now assembled in Dublin. Jack van Poortvliet has been drafted in as temporary cover for Jamieson Gibson-Park who is carrying a knock. You might ask why Ben Spencer didn’t get the call. Easy JvT plays in a very similar way to Gibson-Park so as a ‘training aid’ he makes more sense.

Going forward my plan is to blog as normal Sunday to Thursday. I will give you my opinion on selection pre-match, and then give post match comment. I will also try and give a flavour of each place the games are being played, and try and find an abiding memory of our trip in 2013. Ok, I know that is an indulgence but you would rather that than me pontificating on how Sadiq Khan focusses way to much on his vanity projects rather than what is really needed in London.

That’ll do for now. Mi clase de Espanol es la siguente, y despues necesito ir a Tunbridge Wells.