HERE ARE Martin Crowson's five things from the weekend's opening fixture in the British & Irish Lions tour.
1 Warren Gatland will have learnt little about the Lions in Hong Kong for a trip that was largely a waste of time. Not only was the exercise held to partly satisfy sponsors, it was also held in stifling heat and humidity against a Barbarians side that was vastly inferior and completely over-run. A game against someone like the always competitive Argentinians on home soil would have served them much better.
2 The opening game of the Lions tour spilled a series of strange emotions for the regular Tigers-supporting Englishman. There were Grand Slam winning Welshmen to cheer on and one particular moment when Martin Castrogiovanni (playing for the Barbarians) was involved in a scuffle with Welshman Adam Jones (playing for the Lions). I would be surprised if most Leicester fans didn't have to at least think for a second or two, who to support. There was humour too. Two Saracens players – Schalk Brits and Owen Farrell – had a fight between themselves and one was banned for the opening three matches of next season for his troubles.
3 It will be fascinating to see if there is chemistry between Manu Tuilagi and Brian O'Driscoll in tomorrow's Lions versus Western Force clash. The power and destructive capabilities of Tuilagi mixed with the experience and sublime running lines of the skipper make for a mouth-watering combination. Jamie Roberts is favourite to partner O'Driscoll in the Tests. Tuilagi can change that view tomorrow.
4 Like the next bloke, I love a bit of throw-about rugby banter. But I have to admit to being surprised that former Wallaby captain John Eales came out in the press saying that calling an Aussie a "convict" was considered "reasonably inoffensive". Really?
5 The Lions are favourites to win the series Down Under and their task seems to be looking easier with every passing week. As well as the likes of Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale having already been ruled out , lock Sitaleki Timani broke a thumb last week and needs surgery and back-rower Scott Higginbotham has had scans on an injured shoulder.
