Ok... this is quite strange, but it's just too good to not include. Rugby and poetry don't often go together but this is just a brilliant bit of wordsmithery so I thought I'd include it. Messrs "underwoodrfc" of the BBC's 606 message board penned this little ditty and with his permission I reproduce it here for your enjoyment!

One test down two more to go
Now's the time for a super show

For an hour last week it looked a sorry sight
Bullied, outmuscled it wasn't looking bright

The scrum it suffered always in retreat
To much power, to much heat

O'Driscoll and Roberts looked the part
And with a steady scrum it gave us heart

But our super comeback came up short
The South African team just could not be caught

So roll on Saturday let's get it on
An uphill battle don't get me wrong

Let's wound the Bok's, let's knock them back
And get this faltering tour back on track

Come on Hair Bear it's time to tame the beast
Work him hard at the very least

Don't be bullied and pushed around
Let's dominate the battleground

If in trouble just call the sign
All in lads, ninety-nine

I'll miss the game I'm off to a wedding
To a church I'll be heading

So while I'm there I'll say a little prayer
Let's beat those Bok's in their Springbok lair

So come on you Lions now is the time
If you don't win tomorrow I'll write another crappy rhyme

Lions, Lions, Lions...................

By "underwoodrfc"

The British & Irish Lions tomorrow face the Springboks in what will be the most important game of their rugby playing careers. It's simply must win.

Despite being the world's best team, the Boks are vulnerable and the Lions good enough to exploit their weaknesses. We take a look at what the Lions need to do to turn the tables.

Breaking The Boks - A Discussion of Strategy

Given the dissapointment of the last two games for Lions fans, the term 'highlights' is used loosely. Still, for those who want to see, I've included 'highlights' videos from the last two Lions games - the 1st Test loss and the draw with the Emerging Boks. I've got my fingers crossed for a more positive highlights reel to show this weekend! I'm working on a piece looking at strategy for the 2nd Test. I'm sure Geech and co. will pay attention and everything will turn out ok ;-)!

There are a number of interesting Lions video's knocking around the web that I thought it was worth drawing your attention to. First off, ESPN Scrum have finished their At Home With The Invincibles series. This basically consists of a bunch of Lions legends from the 1974 tour round at Roger Uttley's house having a good old chin-wag about the mightiest Lions tour of them all. It's interesting stuff.

HSBC, sponsors of the current tour have also got an interesting video of Gareth Edwards and Gavin Hastings discussing the Lions prospects running into the 2nd test tomorrow. For those of you who can't get enough of the Lions, I recommend it.

Finally, for anyone who hasn't bought the Lions iPhone app (if you have an iPhone of course), I really recommend it. You get a new video clip every now and again, and while they're short and not quite the same as Living With Lions, they are genuinely behind the scenes. Highlights include Lenny the Lion suffering a horrendous gym injury - brilliant animatronics all around... - and Alun-Wyn showing off his 'interesting' juggling skills in Lions Skills School.


At Home With the Invincibles - Part 1
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 2
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 3
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 4
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 5
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 6

Gareth & Gavin Discuss The 2nd Test

Lions App For the iPhone

The British & Irish Lions to face the Springboks in the must-win second test is as follows:

British & Irish Lions XV for 2nd Test

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Simon Shaw
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Tom Croft
7. David Wallace
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Mike Phillips
10. Stephen Jones
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Rob Kearney


Replacements

16. Ross Ford
17. Andy Sheridan
18. Alun-Wyn Jones
19. Martyn Williams
20. Harry Ellis
21. Ronan O'Gara
22. Shane Williams


The starting 15 shows 5 changes from the one that took the field in Durban last Saturday. In the front row, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones join Gethin Jenkins to make up the first entirely welsh front row since 1955, while behind Simon Shaw claims Alun-Wyn Jones 4 shirt, Luke Fitzgerald takes Ugo Monye's spot on the wing and Rob Kearney comes into the side at 15 for the injured Lee Byrne.

On the bench Ross Ford, Andrew Sheridan and Shane Williams are new additions, but there is no space for Donncha O'Callaghan, Lee Mears and Phil Vickery or Ugo Monye all of whom drop out of the match day 22. The selection is a strong statement of intent from Ian McGeechan and the Lions management that they will continue to select on form, regardless of how harsh, ruthless or bold those selection calls may be.

Donncha O'Callaghan can consider himself unlucky as he was vying with Shaw and Jones for the other lock berth and after impressive performances against the Southern Kings, the Springboks and the Emerging Boks was beginning to hit a rich vein of form. The coaching staff have repayed the performances of Adam Jones and Matthew Rees with promotion from the bench directly into the starting line up and Luke Fitzgerald, who didn't even feature in last weekend's 22, now finds himself promoted directly into the starting 15.

The Lions meet the Boks for the second test match in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday. The game is a 'must-win' for the Lions as they currently trail the series 1-0. Loftus Versfeld, home of the Blue Bulls is a rugby stronghold in South Africa and the Lions can expect a hostile reception from the home crowd. Despite this, the huge traveling Lions supporters contingent are expected to be in fine voice and will pose a significant challenge for the locals in the singing and cheering stakes.

Speaking to the media following the team announcement, Lions coach Ian McGeechan said: "As a squad, the Lions still have everything to play for. The players know that the outcome of the Test series comes down to Saturday, and they are determined to take the series to a decider in Johannesburg."

"There were many positives to come out of the first Test that we have built upon this week. We have made five changes to the starting XV, but it will not change the way we want to play. Both teams will be better for the run last weekend, and we know we will have to step up our performance to ensure that we again take the game to the opposition and are more accurate in taking our opportunities.

Following a citing by judicial officer Alan Hudson, Nathan Hines has been banned for one-week. The Scot made a tackle on Wilhelm Steenkamp in the 9th minute of last nights match against the Emerging Springboks and while it went unpunished by match referee Alain Rolland, the citing commissioner decided that the incident warranted further review.

Hines has 24 hours to appeal the ban, but if he does not, or a challenge is unsuccessful, he will now miss the second test in Pretoria.

Nathan Hines has been cited for an allegedly dangerous tackle on his opposite number Wilhelm Steenkamp during last nights draw against the Emerging Springboks. The citing official picked up on the incident after it went unpunished by referee Alain Rolland.

Hines is the first player to be cited during the tour and will face judicial officer Alan Hudson in Cape Town where a decision will be made. Hines is in with a shout of a second test berth - along with all the other Lions locks - and a ban at this point would certainly end those chances.

We'll have further news on this incident as it develops.

The British & Irish Lions had to settle for a 13 all draw at Newlands this evening as the Emerging Boks recovered from a slow start to tie a game which the Lions consistently failed to close out. In the dying moments, Bok replacement Demas went over in the corner to leave Willem De Waal a massive pressure kick from the right touch line to pull the Boks level. In the wind and rain, the young Western Province man stepped up on his home ground and slotted it to leave it 13-13 and the game finished.

After an impressive start in horrendous conditions the Lions applied the pressure before Keith Earls crossed on 14 mins. A nice step checked the Boks defence and the fullback darted through for the score. From this point on however, the Lions went 52 mins without adding to their score despite making a number of positive forays into Springbok territory.

Throughout the game the Springboks grew and grew into the game and with the addition of De Waal the South African kicking game thoroughly outclassed the Lions. It was an impressive display of we weather rugby from the Boks but at the same time, given opportunities, the Lions simply failed to close out the match. Earl Rose chipped away at the Lions lead via penalties and at 49mins with the score 6-10 in the Lions favour the tourists seemed to forget that they were only four points to the good.

It was a frustrating display for Lions fans as the tourists squandered good attacking ball repeatedly and time and again visited the Boks red-zone and returned empty handed. No opportunity was manufactured to drop a goal and instead the Lions seemed content to kick aimlessly at times. Keith Earls at fullback was constantly peppered with perfectly weighted high-balls from De Waal, Kirchner and Rose and deserves commending for his calm perseverance.

Finally, on 76mins the Lions won a penalty and Hook converted to push them 13-6 ahead. However the Boks refused to be beaten and changed their kicking game for a running game. Pushing the Lions back into their 22 they took the opportunity as soon as it was provided and worked space for Demas in the corner. For such a youthful team the Emerging Boks game management was considerably better than the Lions and despite decent individual play at times, the tourists lacked nous throughout.

O'Gara substitution on 45 mins only compounded the issue. Clearly the management wanted to give James Hook some field time following his absence with injury, but you've got to question the decision making from a team that's crying out for an injection of momentum. O'Gara had been playing the kind of controlled tactical game the Lions needed, firing balls high into the lashing rain, pinning the corners and grubbering through and given the situation it was an interesting, though clearly pre-determined, call to sub him.

Credit must go to the Emerging Boks however. It was a hugely patient performance from a young side who thanks to a dominant kicking game and a solid second half defence found the opportunity late on to level the contest.

The Lions head to Pretoria and Loftus Versfeld short on confidence and low on momentum. They've got it all to do.

The Springbok side to tackle the Lions in the second test is as follows:

Springbok XV

1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. John Smit – Captain
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Ruan Pienaar
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Adi Jacobs
14. JP Pietersen
15. Frans Steyn

Reserves:

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. Deon Carstens
18. Andries Bekker
19. Danie Rossouw
20. Heinrich Brüssow
21. Jaque Fourie
22. Morné Steyn

The main change to the side sees Schalk Burger return to the 6 shirt to win his 50th cap at the expense of Henrich Brüssow, despite the Cheetah having such a successful game in the 1st test. It's no surprise really, given that Peter De Villiers recently said that he based 60% of what the Boks did up front around the huge presence of Schalk Burger. Brüssow has to settle for a spot on the bench.

The Bok management have chosen to retain Adi Jacobs at centre and Jaque Fourie and Morné Steyn once again have to settle for bench spots. The changes to the bench see Ricky Januarie lose his spot while Chiliboy Ralepelle comes in to the side in place of Gurthrö Steenkamp. The Springboks clearly plan to tighten the screw on what is now perceived to be a weak Lions front row.

Peter De Villiers has settled on a 5/2 split between backs and forwards and there is the distinct sense that he plans to shut the Lions down at source in scrum, lineout and breakdown. With no reserve scrum-half, Ruan Pienaar provides cover with Morné Steyn the recognised bench 10.

“We believe in the abilities of our players and we are confident that they will take things up a few notches on Saturday,” said Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers.

“We are a squad of 22 focused on a common objective, which is to go out and win a Test Series against a very good Lions team. We know that we will be faced by a Lions team that will be playing to level the Test Series and will provide us with a stern test. We must make sure that we are more than equal to the task.”
The Lions meet the Springboks in what is a 'must-win' game for the tourists this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

It's been great fun covering the Lions tour so far. Myself and Matt George have written a couple of pieces covering the 1st Test: It Comes Down To Desire and What A Difference A Year Makes.

Above all though, we want to wish the Lions the very best going into tomorrow's first test. We're good enough to turn this lot over and while we can't be there ourselves, tens of thousands of Lions supporters will be going crazy in the stands and millions more cheering on at home. We'll have our jaws set, our shirts on and our belief ready.

Good Luck Lions!!!

The British & Irish Lions team to face the Springboks in the 1st Test at the ASBA Stadium in Durban on Saturday is as follows:

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)

8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) Captain
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Replacements

16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)

So, the speculation is over and the team is in the wild. Our predictions for the starting XV were spot on and the only places where Geech and POL disagreed was Kearney over Fitzgerald and O'Callaghan over Hines.

Paul O'Connell captains the side from lock as expected, while the half back pairing of Stephen Jones and Mike Phillips ends speculation that Ronan O'Gara could have pushed his case enough to warrant test team selection. The hotly contested no.7 shirt falls to David Wallace and Ugo Monye's performances to date have pushed him ahead of competitors Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Williams and even Rob Kearney.

The bench consists of a 4/3 split between forwards and backs with Welsh front row duo Rees and Jones pipping Sheridan and Ford to the post. The 22-man squad consists of 9 Welshman, 8 Irish and 5 Englishmen. No Scots have been selected. Euan Murray who was hotly tipped to be part of the squad has been rules out due to a sprained ankle sustained in the match against the Southern Kings on Tuesday.

Nathan Hines will also feel exceptionally unlucky to have missed out after a number of barnstorming performances in the 2nd row. Perhaps the surprise selection across the 22 is Donncha O'Callaghan on the bench. Most agreed that both Shaw and Hines had done more than the Munsterman, although his performance on Tuesday obviously thrust him into contention.

Other big losers are Fitzgerald who offers cover at centre, Andrew Sheridan who despite being labelled the most destructive scrummager in the NH by Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske is left out of the entire 22.

Geech and co. have chosen to go for very few wildcards in a team that to most has appeared to be relatively settled for some days now. Speaking to the media following the announcement, the head coach said, "The Test team has been picked on form following the six provincial matches. There were some very difficult calls to make as the players as a group and individually have done everything that we have asked of them and performed on the field."

"The preparation for the First Test has been very positive. It has been a challenge to reach the First Test with an unbeaten record as we have played a variety of provincial teams across the country."

"This challenge is a unique one in the modern rugby calendar in that it comes only in a Lions context these days. The players have had to adapt to preparing and playing more frequently. They have answered that challenge."

"It has been 20 years since a Lions team has won all of its' provincial matches leading up to the Test series so it is very satisfying to be in such a position. The entire squad and the management have worked hard to create an outstanding team environment. Everyone has done this very professionally and it is fair to say that I would not change anything that we have done so far."

"Playing South Africa on its home soil is one of the ultimate challenges for the British & Irish Lions,” added Davies, who was a victorious Lion in New Zealand 38 years ago. South Africa also happen to be world champions which adds an extra edge to the series, just as it did in 1997."

"The tradition between the Lions and the Springboks is legendary and after the six lead up provincial matches the rugby world is waiting with great anticipation for the First Test in Durban this Saturday."

Geech has stuck to his word and selected on form. None of the players involved could be considered to have been off form, and while there were contentious decisions to be made for the 11, 4, 10 and particularly 7 shirt, all the players selected have performed well.

The 1st Test will KO in Durban at the ASBA Stadium, otherwise known as Kings Park, on Saturday at 2pm BST.

There's only an hour to go, but it's make your mind up time. Pride of Lions has made it's predictions. This isn't a 'what we think should' be the team, but rather a 'what we think will' be the team. In reality, the two are nigh on the same - always the sign of a coaching team you can trust.

We're fully ready to be very wrong, they don't call Geech a wiley old so and so for nothing! Read our prediction here:

Pride of Lions - 1st Test Selection Prediction

Stay with us this afternoon for the team unveiling from 12.30pm onwards.

Today's the day. At 12.30PM BST, Ian McGeechan will unveil the British & Irish Lions test team for the 1st encounter with the Springboks this Saturday in Durban.

We'll have the team announcement as soon as it is available and will be dissecting it in detail. For the players, the waiting is already over. They hear the selection at training this morning so it's only us who have to wait now! The Springboks have already named their team and we'll be looking at some of the key match-ups, the possible areas of superiority for both teams and the tactical gameplans likely sitting in the coaches thoughts.

Keep checking back, we'll keep you posted!

The BBC have an interesting new behind the scenes look at what goes into following a British & Irish Lions tour from a media point of view in their new VT ‘Scrum Safari’.

The Beeb have done an awesome job recently of listening to their viewer/readership and adding loads of still and moving image content to their website. BBC Sport is one of the best internet destinations for the sport bonkers, so I really recommend you check it out. For those who follow Rugby via the BBC website, familiar faces Bryn Palmer and Simon Austin pop up as well.

Check it out Here - BBC 'Scrum Safari'

Finally, the Southern Kings XV!


1. J Engels

2. D Kuun

3. R Vermeulen

4. M Wentzel

5. R Skeate

6. M Mbiyozo

7. S Tyibilika

8. D Nell

9. F Hougaard

10. J van der Westhuyzen

11. M Turner

12. D Wet Barry

13. F Welsh

14. W Human

15. T Mangweni

Replacements (from):

S Westraadt
K Buys
L Payi
H Stride
J Fowles
M Stick
E Watts
B Fortuin
H Grimes
M Coetzee

Springbok head coach Peter de Villiers has announced his team to face the British & Irish Lions in the 1st Test in Durban The team is captain by John Smit at prop and is as follows:

Springbok Match Day 22

15. Frans Steyn
14. JP Pietersen
13. Adi Jacobs
12. Jean de Villiers
11. Bryan Habana
10. Ruan Pienaar
9. Fourie du Preez

8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Heinrich Brussow
5. Victor Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha
3. John Smit (c)
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements:

16. Gurthro Steenkamp
17. Deon Carstens
18. Andries Bekker
19. Danie Rossouw
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Jaque Fourie
22. Morné Steyn.

The makeup of the Springbok XV has been clear to most commentators for some time, but today's announcement clarifies thinking in a number of key positions. Despite de Villiers assurances that he would make the 1st test, Schalk Burger has been left, out due to a calf strain and Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow comes in to win only his second cap.

Ruan Pienaar is preferred at number 10 over uncapped Blue Bull Morné Steyn and PdV has brought an end to the speculation regarding the full-back position by naming Frans Steyn in the 15 shirt. It's a hugey experienced side boasting 707 caps across the 22. John Smit captains from tighthead, swapping out of his favoured position of hooker to make room for Bismarck du Plessis.

The Springboks face the Lions this Saturday at the ABSA Stadium in Durban.

Ugo Monye will start this afternoon's game against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth. Shane Williams has recovered from the stomach bug that put him in doubt for the game, but he will take Monye's place on the bench rather than running out in the starting 15.

As Monye is a likely test starter, Williams' illness will have put Ian McGeechan and the coaching staff in a difficult quandary. They'll have been trying to rest Bowe and Monye, who played on Saturday against Western Province and are favourite to start in the tests, but with Williams out, it seems that their hand has been forced. Monye may end up having to play three games in the space of 7 days, something basically unheard of in the modern game.

The Lions management may yet rue their choice to leave Leigh Halfpenny, and even Ryan Jones, un-replaced.

Shane Williams' already super slim chances of starting this weekend's test match against the Springboks have been dealt another blow as the Lions wing has contracted a bout of gastroenteritis.

He will not travel to Port Elizabeth with the matchday 22 for Tuesday's game against the Southern Kings as originally planned, and instead Tommy Bowe travels as cover. Stomach bugs in South Africa are not uncommon and have effected touring teams in the past. It's an extremely contagious disease, so Lions fans will have their fingers crossed that Williams is the only player to be sidelined by the illness.

The management have yet to officially rule him out, but it's unlikely at this stage that he will recover in time for Tuesday's game.

Heinrich Brussow has been called into the Springbok squad. Stormers flanker Schalk Burger, who has 46 test caps, is struggling to be fit for Saturday's first test due to an injured calf.

Brussow has already faced the Lions in their third tour match against the Free State Cheetahs. The openside flanker had a superlative game, despite his sides loss and seemed to being taking the fight to the tourists almost single-handedly at times. Brussow's absence from the original Springbok test squad caused consternation in some quarters of the South African rugby community and along with Zane Kirchner he was considered to be particularly unlucky.

Burger will face a fitness test to see if he is ready to play against the Lions in the first test, but even if he does not play, it does not mean a definite start for Brussow, the team could turn to current squad member Danie Rossouw instead.

Speaking to the media regarding the call up, Springbok head coach Peter De Villiers said, "We brought in Heinrich Brussow in case Schalk won't make it but it is only precautionary. Schalk is one of the players that play a major role in my plans and I build almost 60% of whatever we do in the forwards around him so it will be a big blow for us if he doesn't make it. But I am positive that he will make it."

Asked about the pros and cons of the Brussow/Rossouw call, de Villiers said, "Rossouw is an honest, hard-working rugby player so it will be tough to make that decision."

Either way, the loss of Schalk Burger would be a major setback for the Springboks and after the departure of Lion Stephen Ferris, the absence of such a prominent Bok forward would give an interesting dynamic to the back-row battle.