Matt Dawson

Matt Dawson

Can you remember how you felt when you sat ready to take your driving test?

Or how the pains in your stomach on the morning of your wedding day were so bad that backing out actually became a rational option?

Welcome to the pre-match torture that I and 21 other Lions are enduring.

You might think - but you'd be wrong - that after being on two other Lions tours my guts were accustomed to the grating that nears illness.

But if anything it's worse this time because of the level of expectation from both camps.

Eight years ago I was thrown into the gladiatorial arena in Cape Town and instructed to pass, run and generally tackle until I could no longer stand.

At 24, and with a Lions test cap on the line, I had no hesitation in giving my heart and soul to a cause which I'd only read and dreamed about.

To imagine that my dream would not only become reality but blossom into a three-tour slumber party has undoubtedly made me appreciate how very fortunate I have been in my rugby career.

The 2005 Lions have already created their own piece of history, every day a new reason that highlights the uniqueness of Lions tours is documented for us all to see.

But for all the great moments off field, the memories and the friendships, there is only one primary historical fact that will follow us all to our graves, and that is the test results.

Our camp have enjoyed the hospitality both on and off the paddock but let nobody ever forget why we have come and why you, the New Zealand public, have invited us.

Whatever the results of games up to now, three games will decide whether this is a successful trip or just another addition to the heap of the Lions' previous near misses.

We know deep inside that if we arrive at Jade Stadium with our A game, the Lions can be victorious.

Equally, make no mistake that if we drop our guard for a split second the power of the New Zealand team can, and will, punish us severely.

That fear in itself sends a tingle down my spine, a tingle that sparks emotion and adrenaline and pressure which will drive me to perform.

Touring fans

Wandering the Christchurch streets this week, I sensed the various guesstimates of how many supporters, Barmy Army and other touring fans, were tipped to be here is an understatement.