Returning to normal service, we have player ratings from the 10th and final game of the 2009 Lions series - the winning 3rd test in J'Burg. The Lions produced a wonder-performance given the player injuries and exhaustion at the end of the tour to lift themselves despite the game's dead rubber status.

They thrashed the Boks 28-9 in the final reckoning and while it's scant consolation for a lost tour it will go some distance to ensuring this tour is remembered for it's fag-paper differences between the two sides as much as for the South African victory. Take a look at our ratings via the link below. There's more to come here on Pride of Lions as we review the tour. I've also got plans for a Best of 2009 video and will get to that when I have time. Keep checking back.

3rd Test - Player Ratings

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

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!!!

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.

It's a bit late in the day really, but given the hype from both sides of the supporter divide, I thought there was always time for a brief unemotional look at the upcoming game.

Lions supporters are at risk of letting Wednesday's win run away with our analytical rugby brains, and likewise South Africans are talking up the Cheetahs as if they were the Blue Bulls. I expect a hard fought clash that could be a potential banana-skin for the confident Lions. We take a brief look at the upcoming match.

Lions Vs. Cheetahs - Some Preview Thoughts

Don't forget, we'll be running live text updates during the match.

Read the first article for Pride Of Lions by Contributing Editor Matt George, covering his assessment of how the Lions can beat South Africa and the strategic possibilities Ian McGeechan will have been chewing on for months.

What Strategy To Beat The Boks?

Read our latest article on the possible impact of Munster’s loss to Leinster and the effect it may or may not have on the touring party. (Yep... we’re hedging our bets on this one!)

Check it out here - The Munster Effect

Read our analysis of the Lions touring party and check out our breakdown of the squad by the numbers over on our features page. We’ve also added the full fixture list and Squad List to the relevant pages. If you have any suggestions or would like to write for the website, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Squad Analysis
Lions By The Numbers

Hello and welcome to Pride Of Lions.co.uk the unofficial website of The British & Irish Lions. Today is Tuesday 21st April and in a little under 12hrs, Ian McGeechan will announce the 2009 Lions touring party to travel to South Africa. The press are already widely reporting Paul O’Connell as the tour captain and we will have live coverage during the squad announcement at 1.30pm GMT.

Today we are also launching the site, ready for all the news and building excitement. Pride Of Lions will be growing rapidly over the next few weeks, so please check back regularly. Soon you’ll be able to find complete player profiles, venue information, fixture lists, match reports, squash updates and any other news that is note-worthy or of interest.

Pride Of Lions is a supporters site run by a supporter. While we’ll be offering all the same detailed news as other Lions websites and news portals, Pride Of Lions will also feature original editorial and feature articles. If you’re a keen rugby fan with a good knowledge of the game and an interest in journalism, get in touch. We’re actively looking to recruit.