[Music] British Lions

[crodonilson]

The waiting is nearly over.

After 12 years in hibernation, the British Lions will re-emerge on to the international stage on Saturday when they walk out at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton to face Tonga.

It will be a day for the history buffs - a first meeting between these two international sides, and a 50th cap for Great Britain captain James Graham, who will become only the fourth British player after Jim Sullivan, Mick Sullivan and Adrian Morley to reach that golden landmark.

But more importantly, it will be an occasion for every rugby fan, and general sport lover, to relish.



Should be an absolutely belting occasion, wishing the boys the very best. Dave at the Ship is opening early so we can watch it in there and for those of you it’s a bit early for watching it in the pubs and clubs of this fine land it’s on BBC2 at 8am.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

What is this 'Rugby League' of which you speak?

 

[KZNSeagull]

At least the Ship will be nice and quiet for you and Dave to enjoy this spectacle.

 

[Guinness Boy]

2/10

 

[Nottseagull]

But more importantly, it will be an occasion for every rugby league fan, and general sport lover, to relish.

I didn't know the British Lions had switched codes from RU.

 

[Guinness Boy]

I didn't know the British Lions had switched codes from RU.

Correction, 7/10

 

[studio150]

I didn't know the British Lions had switched codes from RU.

They haven't

Union is British & Irish Lions
League is Great Britain Lions

 

[clockend1983]

They haven't

Union is British & Irish Lions
League is Great Britain Lions

Only since the early naughtees I think

 

[vegster]

What is this 'Rugby League' of which you speak?

That's the one where the fat boys run full pelt in to an opposition " Player " then lies down on the ground and does a weird wriggle dance on the mud, rolls the ball back and another fat boy does the same thing, then another until the other sides fat boys get to do the same.

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

The waiting is nearly over.

After 12 years in hibernation, the British Lions will re-emerge on to the international stage on Saturday when they walk out at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton to face Tonga.

It will be a day for the history buffs - a first meeting between these two international sides, and a 50th cap for Great Britain captain James Graham, who will become only the fourth British player after Jim Sullivan, Mick Sullivan and Adrian Morley to reach that golden landmark.

But more importantly, it will be an occasion for every rugby fan, and general sport lover, to relish.





Should be an absolutely belting occasion, wishing the boys the very best. Dave at the Ship is opening early so we can watch it in there and for those of you it’s a bit early for watching it in the pubs and clubs of this fine land it’s on BBC2 at 8am.

Christ, I read that as the 'FGM stadium'. There is mockery, and....

 

[Sussex Nomad]

Correction, 7/10

Like anyone would give a crap what you think.

 

[Nottseagull]

That's the one where the fat boys run full pelt in to an opposition " Player " then lies down on the ground and does a weird wriggle dance on the mud, rolls the ball back and another fat boy does the same thing, then another until the other sides fat boys get to do the same.

Or even odder, the sport where you are successfully tackled yet retain possession.

 

[Sussex Nomad]

Strange old code is Rugby League, very much an ay oop game and Australia's no.1 sport, played by about three countries, two of whom play it badly.

 

[AmexRuislip]

The waiting is nearly over.

After 12 years in hibernation, the British Lions will re-emerge on to the international stage on Saturday when they walk out at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton to face Tonga.

It will be a day for the history buffs - a first meeting between these two international sides, and a 50th cap for Great Britain captain James Graham, who will become only the fourth British player after Jim Sullivan, Mick Sullivan and Adrian Morley to reach that golden landmark.

But more importantly, it will be an occasion for every rugby fan, and general sport lover, to relish.



Should be an absolutely belting occasion, wishing the boys the very best. Dave at the Ship is opening early so we can watch it in there and for those of you it’s a bit early for watching it in the pubs and clubs of this fine land it’s on BBC2 at 8am.

Are Ollie, Giles, Pertunia, Gertrude, Cynthia, Tarquin and Rupert going to watch

 

[Icy Gull]

Absolutely love rugby union but have zero interest in rugby league

Maybe it’s because....I’m a Southerner

 

[Sussex Nomad]

Absolutely love rugby union but have zero interest in rugby league

Maybe it’s because....I’m a Southerner

Get through the one line of defence after the worst scrums ever seen and leg it for 80 yards with no-one to tackle you.

 

[Icy Gull]

Get through the one line of defence after the worst scrums ever seen and leg it for 80 yards with no-one to tackle you.

And keep the ball for six tackles if they do.

Some very good union players have come from league rugby in fairness

 

[Sussex Nomad]

And keep the ball for six tackles

Oh yeah the roll back and then carry the ball straight into the defence again... what's it all about?

 

[wehatepalace]

Having played both codes at fairly decent levels over the years, I can confirm you need to be VERY fit to play league, much fitter than union.

 

[Sussex Nomad]

Some very good union players have come from league rugby in fairness

The quick lads... mainly the wingers.