Lions will need to get into right gear

HERE’S no doubt that being part of a Lions side that loses the first game is not the best start.

- JEREMY GUSCOTT

So, for any of those players who were picked against Argentina after being part of the training squad in Portugal, but did not put their hands up, there is big motivation to make amends for the 28-24 reverse.

The first game can often be a bit daunting because you’re not together properly, and while people have been talking about Ellis Genge making an impact, and also Bundee Aki, if you’re part of a team that lose a game there aren’t too many standouts. They all have to share the disappointment of losing together, and channel it towards determination to make a bigger impact in the next three or four chances they get to make their mark.

Before the Argentina game most people backed the Lions to win, especially as the Pumas were only together for a few days before the match. However, I don’t think the Lions coaches will be too perturbed, because you cannot expect a red-hot cohesive team selected from four countries after only two weeks training. Looking back to my own tours, the first couple of games were a bit rusty, and then you started to get some fluidity.

Andy Farrell and his coaching team will look at what the Lions planned to do, and what didn’t come off. They will want to see who is adapting well, because being with the Lions is major disruption compared to what international players normally expect. It’s a brand-new environment with none of the familiarity of a national team, so you don’t hit the ground running. You've got to find your feet, and then get your legs, and your head, into Lions gear.