2017 - Looking Forward to New Zealand

It's time for my final blog post about the Lions for a while. It was one heck of a tour and one that will be remembered for a very long time by fans, players and coaching staff for all the right reasons.

The 2013 Lions tour of Australia was a tremendous success and a win-win for all who were involved. The series win definitely sealed the Lions' forseeable future - if the commercial success off-the-field hadn't already, being a boon for the Lions' sponsors as well as bringing in plenty of money into the decelerating Australian economy.

Will Gats be back to take on his country of birth - or could he even be coaching the enemy by then?

And already talk has started for the 2017 edition, when the Lions tour New Zealand and take on historically their biggest challenge, the All Blacks. Warren Gatland's name has been floated around as a potential coach - unprecedented in Lions history. 4 years is a long time and it is difficult to see if Gatland can stomach another 4 years coaching Wales let alone another Lions tour - especially considering the vitriol he received from the press after dropping Brian O'Driscoll.

Shane Williams probably won't face the All Blacks again in a Lions top as he did in 2005

Whatever happens, the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand is likely to be quite different from previous tours of New Zealand. As alluded to before in a previous post, it is quite possible that we will see shorter tours and Super Rugby teams playing the Lions, rather than the provinces given that the tour will likely take place in the middle of Super Rugby and the standard of provincial rugby nowadays.

You can read about it here - http://twominutessport.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/possible-2017-british-irish-lions-tour.html

Will Christchurch be ready to host a Lions test in 2017 - the CBD only just reopened a few days ago.

Even with a shorter tour, the Lions tour of New Zealand should be commercially successful for both parties - just as it was in 2005. New Zealand has always been a popular destination for rugby and non-rugby followers so combined that with a massive rugby tour that only comes every 12 years and you have a guaranteed recipe for success.

What about the playing personnel?

Always a question for the very curious but intriguing nevertheless. 4 years is also quite a long time in world rugby and there will be plenty of new talent emerging on the scene during that period who will book their places in the All Blacks and Lions - but there are a few who have emerged this year already who you'd think are dead certs to be involved in 2017 if they're fit.

The success of the Lions this year is also testament to the recent rise of both Welsh and English rugby and many of this year's stars should be back in 4 years time.

Boyish looking Owen Farrell should be at his peak come 2017 - Alex should be thereabouts too

George North (25 in 2017), Stuart Hogg (25), Owen Farrell (25) and Manu Tuilagi (26) will almost certainly be back in 2017 as will Leigh Halfpenny (28), Sam Warburton (28) and Alex Corbisiero (28). Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Dan Lydiate, Sean O'Brien and Toby Faletau should also be back even if they'll be close to their 30s with Roberts just over 30 - Northern Hemisphere players tend to last a bit longer than their Southern Hemisphere counterparts for some reason and their experience will be invaluable if they can maintain their form.

What about their opponents, the mighty All Blacks?

A few players have stood out this season in Super Rugby and in the June internationals as potential starting All Blacks in 2017.

Steven Luatua will be at the peak of his powers in 2017

An experienced Dane Coles (30 in 2017) could hook the scrums with Ardie Savea (24), Steven Luatua and Sam Cane (both 26) forming the back row and Aaron Smith (29), Aaron Cruden (28), Julian Savea (26) and Israel Dagg (29) featuring in the backline.

Question marks will hang over the likes of Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and of course the great two, Dan Carter and Richie McCaw who will be well into their 30s in 2017.

Will New Zealand's greatest rugby player be around in 2017? He will be 37 by then - might be a good way to bow out?

There is a possibility at least one of those 4 could very well make it - it would be very enticing indeed for those guys to extend their careers long enough so they can say they played in two Lions series like George Smith on Saturday, but with professional rugby being so hard and the depth in New Zealand rugby being pretty strong, you wouldn't put the mortgage on it.

Whatever side the All Blacks put out - and whoever coaches it - it will be a mighty challenge for whichever Lions side turns up in the Southern winter of 2017. Bring it on!

But here's to a fine Lions tour of 2013. Here's my one enduring memory.

The Lions Roar Home!

It was billed as the biggest game of rugby union in Australia since the 2003 Rugby World Cup and just as it was 10 years, it was the northerners that came away with the biggest prize.

Indeed, the victory was even more emphatic this time with the British & Irish Lions posting their biggest ever score in a test match and thus deservedly sealing the series at its most critical juncture.

It was their first series win in Australia since 1989 and their first series win anywhere since 1997. At the time Jeremy Guscott and Keith Wood's Lions beat the Boks in Durban on 28 June 1997 to seal the series, this was what was happening in the world -

1. Princess Diana was reportedly dating Dodi Al Fayed
2. Hong Kong was still a British colony
3. Mike Tyson bit off Evander Holyfield's ear

4. Tony Blair was in his 2nd month as British Prime Minister
5. Jim Bolger was Prime Minister of New Zealand
6. Say You'll Be There was the Number 1 Hit song in Australia

So yes it has been a long time between drinks but at one stage, it looked like the Lions drought was set to continue as the determined Wallabies somehow kept themselves in the game despite a scrum that was giving away penalties for free, despite George Smith going down with concussion early on, despite Israel Folau limping off - although Jesse Mogg's arrival in the game actually improved the Wallabies' kicking out of the hand - and despite the lack of front foot ball for their backs.

O'Connor gives the Wallabies a boost going into half-time

Corbisiero gives Lions the lead early on

It was a boost if anything for the Wallabies when they went into the changing sheds 19-10 down rather than 19-3, courtesy of a superb solo try by first-five, James O'Connor, and James Horwill's men looked pumped in the first part of the 2nd half, closing the gap to 19-16. 

Then another scrum penalty meant Leigh Halfpenny whose kicking had been 100% up to that point gave the Lions back their 6 point advantage. 

Best kicker in world rugby?

The Wallabies still had the momentum in the game but the clincher possibly came just over 20 minutes from the end when rather than take the safe 3 points from a shot in front of goal, the Wallabies tapped and ran the ball, before they lost the ball forward over the line and the Lions could clear and subsequently got a penalty to relieve the pressure. 

Sexton goes over for the first try to break the deadlock

George North joins in on the try-scoring

So does the doctor

Once they had the ball, the Lions went rampant and the rest is history. The Wallabies never looked like coming back and the big cats roared home to end years of hurt. 

The buildup to this game had been somewhat overshadowed by controversy over the dropping of experienced Irish centre, Brian O'Driscoll - a Facebook page called Justice for BOD was formed and has 128,785 followers as of today, just showed the outrage many fans felt at Warren Gatland, with many using the fact that Gatland is Welsh national coach as a yard-stick. 

Warren Gatland - Waikato represent!

Alas, Gatland's big call will live down in memory as one of the best coaching decisions ever in international rugby and Gatland deserves a proper knighthood for that - and not the joke one from John Key. 

Robbie, it might be easier dealing with Gerry Brownlee and CERA than fixing that Wallabies scrum..

As for another fellow Kiwi, the future looks a bit bleak. Robbie Deans should probably consider applying for the mayor of Christchurch job as soon as he can with the Australia Rugby Union quite likely to move for Ewen McKenzie or Jake White as soon as possible before the upcoming Rugby Championship. 

Some credit must go to Dingo Deans - he has returned some respectability to Australian rugby in difficult times although the domination of his compatriots across the Tasman of the game meant that Bledisloe Cup success remained a distant dream, along with Rugby World Cup glory. Deans' only one big success was winning the Tri Nations in 2011 - in Rugby World Cup year when winning the competition was considered a curse rather than a blessing. 

However, the manner of defeat to the Lions will surely be the final blow for the former Crusaders coach and probably bring the curtains down on an interesting 5-year tenure in charge of the men in green and gold.

Meanwhile, the Lions can go home and rest up this summer with their heads held up high and real confidence going into their series against New Zealand in 4 years time, along with a big gorilla off their backs.

So who makes my Lions series XV? 

1.Alex Corbisiero - not even in the original team named to tour, Corbisiero flew in late and immediately became a starter whose presence was missed in Melbourne, and showed his importance to the Lions scrum in Sydney. 

2.Stephen Moore - the only star in a Wallabies front row totally dominated, solid in the lineouts and gave good go-forward ball for the Wallabies. A world class player.

3.Adam Jones - looks like a Care Bear rather than a rugby prop but Adam Jones' efforts cannot be disputed - the Lions' most important lynchpin in the scrum.

4.Alun-Wyn Jones - last minute captain for the decider but showed why he was made captain by Warren Gatland with some sterling displays all over the place

5.James Horwill - Queensland's Captain Fantastic who wears his heart on his sleeve. Made some big calls in the series that kept the Wallabies alive. Definitely a model player.

6.Dan Lydiate - the quiet and little mentioned performer in the backrow, but always one of the first names on the team sheet and will be for some time.

7.Sam Warburton - the next great openside flanker in world rugby if he isn't already - thanks to a Mr Richard Hugh McCaw. He was the Lions' heart and soul on and off the field.

8.Toby Faletau - big number 8 who made a huge difference in Sydney

9.Will Genia - best halfback in world rugby without a doubt. Can be dangerous with or without front-foot ball. Deserves a better pack in front of him.

10.Jonny Sexton - it wasn't a series for first fives but Ireland and Leinster's Jonny Sexton was the best of a very average bunch thanks to his work-rate and support play.

11.Israel Folau - best debut by a Wallaby for a while with two tries in Brisbane. Needs to work on his tackling as evident by his feeble attempt to bring down George North in Melbourne but his running game and ability under the high ball is par excellence.

12.Jamie Roberts - was too good not to have in the team when fit. The reason why BOD was dropped and that point was made clear in the last 20 minutes of the series.

13.Jonathan Davies - had to play out of position early on but once back in his favoured outside centre position, looked his very best - was key to the 3 late tries to the Lions.

14.George North - if Halfpenny wasn't player of the series, the big winger who now sadly shares his surname with Kim Kardashian's child would be a credible selection. Will forever be remembered for running with Israel Folau on his back in Melbourne.

15.Leigh Halfpenny - Undisputed player of the series. Kicking was nearly perfect and a great player in defence and in attack. Nuff said.

SUBSTITUTES - 

16.Mako Vunipola - horror start in Melbourne but bounced back superbly. Once Gethin Jenkins limped out of the tour, was key and horror start aside, showed why he is making a meteoric rise in international rugby

17.Richard Hibbard - solid number one hooker for the Lions.

18.Dan Cole - solid tighthead prop to bring off the bench. Got penalised a few times in the lottery that is scrum penalties but ensured the Lions maintained front row dominance for 80 minutes

19.Paul O'Connell - the other Irish gem was unlucky to be ousted out of the tour after game 1 due to injury - would have been in the team for the last two games.

20.Sean O'Brien - superbly filled in for Sam Warburton in Melbourne. A wonderful tour for the Irish flanker. 

21.Conor Murray - great substitute halfback to bring on. Good around the rucks and superb kicking game.

22.James O'Connor - as I said, not a great tour for the first fives. James O'Connor was average in the first two games, but had a good game in the decider, scoring a pretty good solo try. Good runner with the ball but needs to work on his kicking.

23.Adam Ashley-Cooper - solid centre for the Wallabies who ran well and was solid in defence. Will be remembered for the try that kept the series alive for the Wallabies.  

Why the British & Irish Lions Must Win this Series

Can George North produce this much inspiration in Sydney on Saturday?

So we go to Sydney for round 3 with the series locked at 1-all.

Will the Lions experience deja vu from previous series or can they finally end their 16-year drought without a series win with victory over an apparently resurgent Wallabies side?

South Africa 1997 - the last time the Lions won a series

There is so much at stake for both sides. For the Wallabies, victory would possibly mean an extension for coach Robbie Deans and give them confidence going into the tough Rugby Championship. It would also give a boost to rugby union in Australia which has floundered somewhat when up against the super rich NRL and AFL.

James Horwill will be able to skipper the Wallabies in Sydney

While it is imperative for the Wallabies to win the series on Saturday night, it is even more so for their opponents from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The very survival of the British & Irish Lions is hugely dependent on the full time result at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney - no series wins since 1997 in South Africa really puts into question the relevance and viability of the Lions.

With the Lions set to tour New Zealand in 4 years time and South Africa after that, should the Lions fail to win the series in Australia, it is quite likely the drought could become 24 years and even more - the Lions have only won once in New Zealand, back in 1971 and their record in South Africa is not exactly flash.

The Lions will find it hard to end a drought against the All Blacks in 4 years time - they were walloped 3-0 last time

16 years without a series win even if they only play every 4 years is a long time and questions must certainly be asked if the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish unions can put together a united team competitive enough to beat the best of the Southern Hemisphere in the professional era.

Yes, ok, the performance of a team that only plays every 4 years doesn't quite tell the full tale of the true nature of British and Irish rugby given that the unions would be more competitive on their own as they play together every season. But it is sad when the results are so lopsided in favour of their opposition.

And with rugby becoming faster and more physical than ever, and more games being played in both sides of the hemisphere, sides like the Barbarians and Lions are threatening to become an endangered species and likely to be the first to be culled in a bid to maintain player welfare and keep the number of games played by professional rugby players at a sane level.

Lions tours have always been popular with the British and Irish fans - it's a chance to use their summer holidays to support their team and visit the likes of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Many have saved up and signed up for official tours and proudly walk around Australia's biggest cities, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne with their Lions jerseys and jackets.

Sean O'Brien will be key and must replicate his form in the weekday games in Sydney

Whether that - and the fact that players from the United Kingdom and Ireland still consider it an honour to be part of the Lions - will be enough to keep the Lions team itself alive remains questionable. For all rugby fans, it is hoped that the Lions will prevail and live on even if the results aren't quite there.

Lions organizers certainly hope that the results can come - sponsors like HSBC and Adidas definitely want to see a successful Lions team and no offence to this Wallabies side, but they should be beaten by this Lions team who were so dominant for 3 halves of this test series so far.

Warburton limps out of the test in Melbourne - and the series

Therefore, I hope the Lions can somehow unite without their skipper Sam Warburton - out with a hamstring tear - and produce the performance of their lives to beat the Wallabies, the favourites now after last weekend's win in Melbourne and James Horwill being cleared - thankfully and sensibly - of stomping by the IRB.

Meanwhile enjoy some highlights from key Lions deciders in the past.

EDIT: The British & Irish Lions team for the test in Sydney has been named - veteran centre, Brian O'Driscoll has been dropped although Jamie Roberts is back in the squad. Welsh lock, Alun-Wyn Jones has been named as captain with Sean O'Brien, Toby Faletau, Mike Phillips, Alex Corbisiero all returning to the starting lineup. Justin Tipuric returns to the bench where Vunipola is sitting this week after starting last week in Melbourne.

Lions: 15-Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), 14-Tommy Bowe (Ireland), 13-Jonathan Davies (Wales), 12-Jamie Roberts (Wales), 11-George North (Wales), 10-Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), 9-Mike Phillips (Wales), 8-Toby Faletau (Wales), 7-Sean O'Brien (Ireland), 6-Dan Lydiate (Wales), 5-Geoff Parling (England), 4-Alun Wyn Jones (captain, Wales), 3-Adam Jones (Wales), 2-Richard Hibbard (Wales), 1-Alex Corbisiero (England).

Replacements: 16-Tom Youngs (England), Mako Vunipola (England), 18-Dan Cole (England), 19-Richie Gray (Scotland), 20-Justin Tipuric (Wales), 21-Conor Murray (Ireland), 22-Owen Farrell (England), 23-Manu Tuilagi (England).

EDIT: George Smith to make sensational return to Wallabies lineup after retiring 3 years ago. I'll go start writing the Lions obituary.

Australia: Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Leali'ifano, Joe Tomane, James O'Connor, Will Genia, Wycliff Palu, George Smith, Ben Mowen, James Horwill (captain), Kane Douglas, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.

Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Michael Hooper, Nick Phipps, Jesse Mogg.

British & Irish Lions v Wallabies 2nd Test Review

It wasn't a pretty game - far from it indeed with far too many handling errors and scrummaging penalties making this the beast to the beauty that was the 1st test in Brisbane. Yet, it was still gripping to watch and in the end had a blast of a finish which somehow saw the Wallabies keep the series alive and take it to a decider in Sydney, having been behind for much of the 2nd half.

In such a stale game with much of the game played between each other's 22 m lines, it was always going to take a bit of brilliance to break open this game and the Wallabies were the ones to deliver that. Granted, it was a dogged team effort that eventually saw Adam Ashley-Cooper continue his hot-streak of scoring tries in tests at the Docklands stadium - no matter what name the stadium has.

Even so, it needed a conversion kick for the Wallabies to take the lead from the Lions - up stepped Christian Leali'ifano, injured in the 1st test in Brisbane, to curl in a beauty from a difficult angle and give the Wallabies a one point lead going into the last 5 minutes.

Yet, the Wallabies seemed to want to give up that lead and two penalties gave the Lions who looked certain to win this game, the opportunity to snatch victory at the end - although it was a very difficult opportunity coming from the 50 m line. Leigh Halfpenny whose kicking was near perfect up to that point, couldn't quite get the ball to cross the bar and the Wallabies avenged their close defeat in Brisbane to take the series to Sydney.

It was good news for Deano and his skipper James Horwill - although his participation in next week's decider is questionable after the IRB decided to overturn the judiciary's decision that he was not guilty of stomping in the first test. It is bad news for the Lions - and Ewen McKenzie who might still very well end up as Wallabies coach in the near future - who must now rebuild and head to the cauldron of the Olympic Stadium in Sydney to end a 16 year drought without a series win.

In a way, the Wallabies deserved to win for their endeavour and courage but there are still too many question marks over many key players, i.e. James O'Connor's control of the game at first five, Kurtley Beale's hands and kicking. However, the scrummaging is definitely up there and will give them confidence and as always they have quality in the back row and in the backs.

The Lions could still very well have Jamie Roberts available for the decider in Sydney and Mike Phillips and Alex Corbisiero might be in line for a recall after missing out on this game due to injury. However, the Lions will have to wait on the results on Sam Warburton's injury to decide if the inspirational skipper who was badly missed in the end is fit for the decider.

In the end, it might very well be Welsh flair that could save the day for the Lions and end years of misery - and very well seal their survival as a relevant rugby team today.

Moment of the game - George North gives Israel Folau a piggy-back while running with the ball

Crunch Point: British & Irish Lions 2nd Test

So it may very well come down to this game in good old Melbourne, the sporting capital of Australia. For once Aussie Rules and Richmond won't be the centre of attention when it comes to sport in Victoria's capital, with Docklands and the Etihad hosting the game of the weekend, and what could be the decisive game in this series.

Blame the Asics. 

The winner of this game will win the series albeit at different times. The Lions are 1-0 up after Kurtley Beale failed to put on the right type of boots for the overused Suncorp Stadium surface and allowed the Lions to escape with a narrow 23-21 win against a Wallabies side forced to play their openside flanker at inside centre.

The Wallabies will be hoping their bad luck with backs was left behind in Queensland as they do not have many options left while the Lions have options galore, including a shock return for Tommy Bowe who fractured his hand only weeks before - Ireland's quality utility back slots straight into the starting team along with a very Welsh looking forward pack.

It is imperative that the Lions come out guns blazing to win this game and I think they will - the 1st test was always going to be a bit of a lottery for both sides and the Lions will feel that perhaps lady luck is on their side this year.

Last time the Lions won a series in 1997

I hope so as a Lions series win - which will be the first since Guscott's Lions beat world champions South Africa in 1997 - will be a good thing for world rugby. World rugby needs to be different from football and teams like the Barbarians and Lions need to be embraced and kept alive like the kereru and kiwi. A strong and victorious Lions side will ensure the Lions' relevance and long term survival in this day of age of professional rugby where concerns over the amount of games players play grow ever stronger.

A Lions series win would also be a fitting finale for a generation of players set to bow out after this tour - Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell deserve to have a Lions series win to add to their CV of Grand Slam, Heineken Cup victories and the pressure must be on BOD to ensure that his ginger haired mate's work in the 1st test doesn't go unrewarded - O'Connell's tour ended after sustaining a fractured hand in that epic game.

The Wallabies will be desperate for a win - Dingo Deans will certainly be desperate for one to resuscitate his Wallaby coaching career but the odds may very well be stacked against him. The Wallabies are world beaters when they are at full strength but when they're not, they are the most vulnerable side in world rugby as seen with shock defeats to Scotland and Samoa and big defeats to England and France in recent times.

One glimmer of hope is the performance by the tight forwards at the end of the 1st test in Brisbane - it was quite possibly the best display of scrummaging ever by a side in green and gold but the pack will need to do that for a full 80 minutes against a Lions pack who would have learnt not to take this supposedly weak Wallabies pack for granted.

My tip? Lions by 5 - it will be close again.

Teams for the 2nd test -

British and Irish Lions: Leigh Halfpenny (Wales), Tommy Bowe (Ireland) Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland), Jonathan Davies (Wales), George North (Wales), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland), Ben Youngs (England); Jamie Heaslip (Ireland), Sam Warburton (captain, Wales), Dan Lydiate (Wales), Geoff Parling (England) Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales), Adam Jones (Wales), Tom Youngs (England), Mako Vunipola (England),

Reserves: Richard Hibbard (Wales), Ryan Grant (Scotland), Dan Cole (England), Tom Croft (England), Sean O'Brien (Ireland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Owen Farrell (England), Alex Cuthbert (Wales).  

Australia - Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, James O'Connor, Will Genia, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Ben Mowen, James Horwill, Kane Douglas, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson

 Replacements: Saia Faingaa, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Liam Gill, Nick Phipps, Rob Horne, Jesse Mogg

Final Countdown - British & Irish Lions XV for the 1st Test

The Lions have played the Waratahs and the side for the Brumbies has been named. This means most of us should now have some idea as to what the side for the 1st test against the Wallabies will be -

Here is my prediction -
1.Mako Vunipola
2.Richard Hibbard
3.Adam Jones
4.Al-Wyn Jones
5.Paul O'Connell
6.Dan Lydiate
7.Sam Warburton
8.Jamie Heaslip
9.Mike Phillips
10.Jonathan Sexton
11.Alex Cuthbert
12.Jamie Roberts/Brian O'Driscoll
13.Brian O'Driscoll/Jonathan Davies
14.George North
15.Leigh Halfpenny

16.Rory Best
17.Ryan Grant
18.Dan Cole
19.Richie Gray
20.Sean O'Brien
21.Ben Youngs
22.Owen Farrell
23.Manu Tuilagi

NSW Waratahs 17-47 British & Irish Lions

This was billed as the last dress rehearsal for the Lions starting XV for next Saturday's first test against the Wallabies in Brisbane. While there are set to be a few more changes before that squad is announced, it is quite clear who will be in the running for the 23 at Suncorp Stadium next weekend on the basis of this game.

While the side from Sydney are not quite the force they were in Super Rugby, NSW always provides a stern test for the tourists and the final scoreline of 47-17 to the Lions was more to do with the quality of the Lions' performance on the night rather than with any lack of performance by the hosts.

It was clear from the outset that the Lions were out to make one big final statement to the Wallabies - yes they play Super Rugby leaders, the Brumbies on Tuesday but the side to play them in Canberra will consist of players who will miss out next weekend, meaning this game was going to be 'it' for the Lions. They only just missed out on scoring the fastest try in British & Irish Lions history - Simon Zebo just denied by Drew Mitchell after only 30 seconds.

Alas it was a sign of things to come, as brutal Lions defence wore down the determined and young Waratahs side and pounced when they had the ball. They kicked penalties that were kickable just to keep the margin in check.

Leigh Halfpenny who had a superb night with the goalkicking and at fullback will be the starting fullback against the Wallabies in Brisbane barring injury - it was a performance to remember for the ages for the Welsh no. 15.

His fellow winger, Simon Zebo, drafted in as a replacement for Tommy Bowe, may also have something to say about his involvement in the test side after a scintillating display tonight. While Alex Cuthbert and George North are billed by many as the wingers for the 1st test, Zebo has definitely given Gatland food for thought.

The one negative from this test was the health of Dr Jamie Roberts, who limped out of the game holding his hamstring. Roberts was always going to be the starting inside centre for the Lions so this will be a big concern - although the form of Jonathan Davies and Brian O'Driscoll on tour so far has been reassuring and the Lions have also called on Billy Twelvetrees and now Brad Barritt.

Jamie Roberts is possibly one of the world's best centres so losing to injury would be a huge blow for the Lions and himself.

But for now, the Lions can look back fondly on a great performance all round and with full confidence that they can win their first series in 16 years.

Combined Country 0-64 British & Irish Lions

The result and winner was never really in doubt in Newcastle on Tuesday night - a XV of mainly amateur players and bench Super rugby players who call the likes of Orange and Charters Towers home was never going to challenge the cream of the crop from the United Kingdom, Ireland and the odd New Zealander and Pacific Islander.

Indeed, it was that odd New Zealander, Sean Maitland, who aspires to be as Scottish as Groundskeeper Willie who was one of the stars on a rainy night in the Hunter Valley alongside Irish stars young and old, Sean O'Brien and Brian O'Driscoll.

The Lions performance while great in the first half, probably was a bit disappointing in a second half where they were expected to double their score - poor ball handling and some interesting calls from referee Steve Walsh meant the score was kept to 64.

One positive was that the Lions defence was strong and kept an opposing side in Australia scoreless for the first time since 1989 when the Lions held Western Australia scoreless.

There were many other positives as well - no major injuries picked up this time and genuine competition for spots as well as the emergence of Scotsman utility back, Stuart Hogg as a viable first five option to Jonny Sexton and Owen Farrell. Flanker options look pretty strong with O'Brien pushing the Welsh quartet of Tipuric, Warburton, Faletau and Lydiate hard for a spot in the 23.

So the Waratahs are up next and this shapes up to be the dress rehearsal for the Lions going into the 1st test in Brisbane next Saturday night. On this performance, we may see quite a few from this team feature heavily during the test series against the Wallabies.

Possible 2017 British & Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand?

Was 2005 the last time we saw the likes of Otago take on the Lions?

With the Lions touring Australia at the moment, it is quite easy to think about how their tour of New Zealand will look like in a couple of years' time. With the Super Rugby season as it is now and the nature of the NPC being nearly amateur based, will the NZRU rather have Super Rugby sides take on the Lions - especially considering that the window for such tours is slowly shrinking?

Here is a possible British & Lions tour itinerary for 2017 with only Super Rugby sides, New Zealand Maori and of course the All Blacks with the current window. A compromise could be met with Super Rugby sides playing away in the provinces meaning that only one game will be played in each city.

Note that the South Island's test has been slated for Dunedin as I'm not certain that Christchurch will have a stadium up to standard ready in 2017.

Saturday, June 10 - Chiefs, Hamilton
Tuesday, June 13 - New Zealand Maori, Napier
Saturday, June 17 -  Crusaders, Christchurch
Tuesday, June 20 - Highlanders, Invercargill
Saturday, June 24 - 1st Test, Dunedin
Tuesday, June 27 - Hurricanes, New Plymouth
Saturday, July 1 - 2nd Test, Wellington
Tuesday, July 4 - Blues, Whangarei
Saturday, July 8 - 3rd Test, Auckland

Week 1 Outlook - Who Should Start for the British Lions against Australia?

The Lions are approaching the end of their first week in Australia and the shape of the side to play the 1st test against the Wallabies in Brisbane is still very much up in the air although we might very well have a good idea of who will be in it.

Three players who won't be in that side are Gethin Jenkins, Cian Healy and Tommy Bowe - the trio have been sent home, injured and out of the tour.

So here is my tip for the team to start against the Wallabies in Brisbane in a fortnight - you might very well see this side play the Waratahs next Saturday -
1.Mako Vunipola
2.Rory Best
3.Dan Cole
4.Richie Gray
5.Alun Wyn-Jones
6.Dan Lydiate
7.Sam Warburton (captain)
8.Jamie Heaslip
9.Mike Phillips
10.Owen Farrell
11.Alex Cuthbert
12.Jamie Roberts
13.Brian O'Driscoll
14.George North
15.Rob Kearney

16.Richard Hibbard
17.Matt Stevens
18.Alex Corbisiero
19.Paul O'Connell
20.Justin Tipuric
21.Ben Youngs
22.Jonathan Sexton
23.Manu Tuilagi

Reds 12-22 British & Irish Lions

This game was always going to be the first real challenge for the touring Brits & Irishmen in Australia - and they passed with flying colours against a very spirited and determined Reds side bereft of their Wallabies away preparing for the tests.

One Reds was desperate to show he should have been there. Quade Cooper was fired up right from the start and was at his very best and very worst. He led his team to play a fast, exhausting type of rugby in the first half but still showed many of the flaws which Robbie Deans had indicated was the reason why Melbourne Rebels James O'Connor and not Tokoroa-born Quade Cooper is his first choice pivot.

The first half was brilliant even if it went 10 minutes over time due to the overcautious TMO. Luke Morahan's marvellous individual try will be the enduring highlight from this game.

The second half was dampened by the Brisbane rain although the Reds kept pushing for a way back into the game. Halfback Nick Frisby scored a deserved consolation try to give the Reds some hope of getting away with what would have been a famous draw for the Queenslanders.

Nevertheless, the Lions showed impressive composure when the Reds were hot and attacking their goalline and ultimately deserved the win. Their forward pack still looked strong despite losing original starter and the experienced Welsh prop, Gethin Jenkins for the tournament - he joins Cian Healy as the first two injuries of the tour.

The Lions face a bit of a breather - a combined NSW/Queensland Country XV should really be the easiest test for the Lions, meaning this could be the first indication of the side to take on the Wallabies in a fortnight.

Force 17-69 British & Irish Lions

It was always going to be some upset if the Western Force, struggling in Super Rugby this season, beat the British & Irish Lions. And with poor scheduling forcing the Force (excuse the pun) to field a second string team - they have to host the Waratahs in Super Rugby on Sunday - it was always going to be an upset of monumental proportions and as we saw tonight, the gap in quality was evident.

The side from Western Australia bravely fought on against a Lions captained by the ageless Brian O'Driscoll and definitely looked side a few steps up from the amateur Western Australia side that got hammered 100 points 12 years ago - rugby in this part of the world had since gone professional though. Even so, they ultimately got worn down by their far superior opponents and the Lions pulled away in a comfortable second half.

It is difficult to know how genuine these Lions really are against such inferior opposition. Nevertheless, there is no doubt the side Warren Gatland put out tonight showed up and were very good value for their money. The style of rugby they are playing is definitely very entertaining - and fitting for the ethos set by previous Lions sides.

There was always going to be a news-making injury in the 1st game of a Lions series - this time, it was prop Cian Healy who became the first Lions player to be stretchered off halfway through the game. While it may only just be an ankle sprain, Cian Healy now faces allegations of biting Brett Sheehan unseen by the cameras.

The Lions next face a sterner test - they play the Reds in a packed Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with 10 Wallabies possibly available as well as dropped first five Quade Cooper. This will definitely be the Lions' toughest test yet after games against a talented but always disjointed Barbarians side and the Force' reserve team. The Reds were Super Rugby champions as recently as 2011 as well and are one of the top teams in Super Rugby at the moment - plus unlike the Force can devote their full resources to this game.

It will be interesting to see what side Warren Gatland puts out in Brisbane on tonight's performance - expect the likes of Welsh centre, Jamie Roberts to come back but who will partner him in midfield - will O'Driscoll play back-to-back games at his age? Will the injured Sam Warburton be available for selection too?

I expect the Lions to win but it could be pretty close.