IN ONE THE MOST FEROCIOUS GAMES EVER PLAYED, TOM SMITH DIDN'T BUDGE AN INCH

As the Lions and Wallabies finally square up, Stephen Jones selects the feats and faux pas that have stuck with him from previous Lions series...

- STEPHEN JONES

EVERYTHING BETWEEN now and the end of the Lions tour will be deadly serious. The first Test is looming and, as everyone knows, it has been almost impossible for any Lions series to be won if they lose the first Test. Will the tourists be ready? And what does history show us? Here are some Test memories which show the narrow difference between glory and disaster and which also show us why the Lions are such box office, and yet cause all their followers sporting nightmares. The emotions are powerful and it will be the same after the opening Test in Brisbane this time...

GREATEST TEAM PERFORMANCE

Nothing has ever compared in the Lions' history with those rare Test victories in New Zealand and South Africa. There was the odd glorious win in previous generations but it was the second Test in Wellington in the 2017 series that was probably the greatest team performance - partly because that All Blacks team was so good.

The Lions, under their captain Sam Warburton, were pilloried throughout the country until they → lost the first Test disappointingly. When it came to the second Test, there was great nervousness that they faced a whitewash and that Warren Gatland's coaching tenure might end there and then.

And the match was always incredibly close. But if you review the game now, the merit of the Lions performance is obvious - and so, too, their right to victory.

Their pedigree forwards, Maro Itoje and Taulupe Faletau, were absolutely brilliant. Jamie George broke into true world class with a stunning performance up front and there was such confidence about the whole team. Owen Farrell, playing at 12, exerted a masterly control and the execution of the game plan was near perfect. And even then, it was incredibly close.