Storm

I saw some amazing weather from the window this morning, lightning forks and all sorts. It's strange to see violent weather so early in the morning.

By the way, I read a great book in Doxology class the other day, going by the title of Lucky Jim. The author was the great (Sir) Kingsley Amis, a genuinely funny novelist. I pissed myself laughing at one point, but managed to get away with sounding like I was doing the tenor-line on the high section of our chant.

Anyhow, talk aside, it's the Lions' first test tomorrow against New Zealand. I've read so much and talked so much about it that I just want the bloody game to start now. It's also Brother Wheeler's birthday, so a sneaky jar in the evening should complete tomorrow in the best possible fashion, win, lose or draw!

Rugby in the blood

The British & Irish Lions for the first test against New Zealand were selected today and there's a whiff of discontent on the island. Old Lewis, the rugby coach at the island's school, has been flying a black flag this morning following the announcement of the 15 players to start the match.

I'm concerned that Woodward has lost the plot and is taking the Lions down with him. The media is puzzled as well, from New Zealand to Wales and then back to England, Scotland and Ireland (both bits). I'm keeping abreast of several websites for newspapers from both home and abroad and the views offered are quite uniform in their puzzlement of Woodward leaving out Gavin Henson. The last paragraph sums it up!

I'm going to watch the match at the local and I'll support the team whatever happens, but I do feel a bit of a thumping is on the cards. New Zealand have been built-up as a monster of a team, but, one match aside (the thumping of France), they haven't necessarily scared people to death. They are certainly the number one side in the world, but they aren't as dangerous a beast as people say. However, the first test will see them play a modern, skilful game against a dated Lions game based on kicking for territory and strangling the opposition by taking any points available from penalty efforts and drop-goals. 'Paint drying' springs to mind! Maybe a defeat will force Woodward to be more adventurous.

It may well be that the Lions win on Saturday (8.10am BST kick-off, Sky Sports or Radio 5 Live), but my fear is that it'll be through negativity. Having seen our Grand Slam this year and having been treated to some lovely rugby along the way, it would be a horrible sight if the Lions win/lose/draw in the style of the England 2003 Rugby World Cup winning team.