Frank Quin casts his eye on the Lions chance of glory

 By Frank Quinn
THE Circus got underway on the Friday, 20th June following the completion of the European Clup competitions. We were waiting for the main acts to turn up.
It started with a game against Argentina at the Aviva stadium at 8 pm. The Lions lost, Presume it was a warm up. This was a “Financial game, “getting to know you style ” and it drew a full house crowd, and was entertaining. Argentina were worth more than the money as they beat the Lions with their brand of commitment, and of course, Felipe Contepomi is their head coach. Remember It was an 8 PM start, which is late for travelling. Sky have the TV rights – so it was their call, With 15 Irish players in the expanded group of about 40 players and the Irish coaches in charge.
There are 38/40 players on Tour including a couple of call ups for injuries, including Owen Farrell, In addition we can allow for a minimum of 20 more staff, coaches – medical , nutritionists, PR, Baggage handlers Tour operators. It’s a big expedition to the Southern Hemisphere. It was launched with a fanfare at the O2 auditorium in London with an audience of over 2,000, never mind a football match, it was – spectacular optics at enormous expence. It is a moving Circus!
First game in Australia was on the 28th June.
Perth in Western Australia, acclimatising and beside the Indian Ocean and they are ready for the first tour game with Western Force, The Lions duly won against The Frorce who won just four games this season
Next up was another Franchise squad, on 2nd July against Queensland Reds at the Suncorp Stadium Brisbane. The Lions won. Then on the 5th July it”s The NSW Waratahs turn at the Alliance stadium. The Lions won 21-10. You saw it – Not a great results, a bit of a surprise for the tourists. not much class and not many reputations embellished. We are waiting ? and we are not overwhelmed with the pics of the coaches in the box with long faces – they don’t generate enjoyment or confidence of being in the southern hemisphere.
Not very exciting, or entertaining so far Most of the tourists have played a game or involved as a replacement, it is aproaching the half way stage in time but we are getting ever so closer to the main act in the big top – test matches in two weeks time
The 9th July is the next Franchise into the act – The ACT Brumbies in Canberra (The Lions won ). It will be cat and mouse with the selections as we near test match time, when the coaches sort themselvesd out- with selections.
Invitation event 12th July and First Test 19th July.
There is a new departure in the script and the Circus schedule for the next game, which is an invitational game, an Australian/New Zealand combination selection at the Adelaide Oval, the arch rivals get together to take on the Lions on the 12th July.
We have no idea what to expect here from this combo which is one week before the test match and more important to you and me the selection for the first test. The history on the selection is easy – no changes for the 2nd and the 3rd game, the dye is cast in the first test after the team squad is announced. In previous tours only 17 players started the 3 tests – its that tight, barring injuries. I am asking my readers “Do you know who you are going to pick as I do not. You are going have to make your own selection. Send it to Andy Farrell, based on what is in front of you on the TV screen. Be generous to the four countries and players involved, the water is very muddy.” With All the changes and selections. A wide variety and a choice for your own favourites is available.
This is one week before the first test in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. on the 19th July. Traditionally this is the first big divisional split. Where the Test team squad are named and the travellers know the score on the selection for the three test games, as they sit it out.
Just to repeat the history tradition, it has it that only 16/17 players start the 3 test matches. There may be some adjustments in the replacements due to injuries or combination changes. It is two games away from selection time for the test.
Sandwitched game is  on 22nd July: The First Nations and Pasifika Origen against the Lions, (another departure from the past itinary), an opportunity for the mid week players . It is the Marvel Stadium Melbourne at 1045 AM. It was squeezed in to accomodate this squad.
2nd Test 26th July
The second test is scheduled for the 26th July at the MCG Stadium and TV is down for 10.45 AM
The third and final test is on target for 2nd August for the Sydney Accor Stadium also with a TV start of 10.45 AM. We are all hoping it will to be down to the wire at 1-1 and then all or nothing in the final. The Clincher Terst!
Then its Holiday time for all.

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