SYDNEY is quite simply a wonderful place.
The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and those water taxis out to places like Manly.
It’s one of my favourite cities in the world.
It’s somewhat ironic that my toughest week of the tour should be played out here.
I took a whack to the left shoulder early on in our 64-0 win over Combined Country on Tuesday.
It was a real stinger and I tried to shake it off.
But at half-time it was felt that I should come off as a precautionary measure.
I’ve sat out training since. It was the last thing I needed and I’ve been on a bit of a downer this week.
It’s so hard watching the lads train, you want to be involved all the time, but I haven’t been able to do that since arriving in Sydney.
Thankfully, my shoulder seems okay now and I’m just waiting for the green light to get going again.
George North and I spent last night in the gym.
We’re both out of the game against NSW Waratahs, but we’re both pushing for a return against ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Tuesday.
I know some will say that if you play on Tuesday then you’ve no chance of making the first Test on Saturday.
I don’t see it that way. I need games and I’m just desperate to be involved.
Believe me, if asked to play two games in a week I will.
The physical element of these games is something that most of the lads here have never experienced before.
The guys you’re up against come at you hard and fast for 80 minutes — it’s their big chance to shine.
Along the way it’s just inevitable you’re going to pick up injuries here and there.
I just hope my time on the sidelines is over because I don’t want to be a spectator in the matches that are left.
I’m sure, however, I’ll be up and running again by Monday. The players and staff are really buzzing for this game against the Waratahs.
Like last Saturday’s match against Queensland Reds in Brisbane it promises to be a tough old encounter.
The boys are coming to the boil just nicely.
We haven’t lost a game as yet and the combinations we’ve been working so hard on in training are beginning to take shape on the pitch.
Everyone is so focused and committed that the intensity is incredible.
But it has to be that way — you have to leave everything out there on the pitch.
We know we have a huge responsibility to the jersey and we’re determined not to let anyone down.
I think we’ve played some pretty good rugby in the matches so far, but there is no doubt there is much more to come from us. As a team we’re improving all the time and as a squad we couldn’t be closer.
Matty Stevens has organised the karaoke on the buses and the banter is relentless.
I’d probably say I’m the worst singer, I’m tone deaf as it happens.
I’m getting on really well with Mike Phillips who is my room-mate.
I think I’ve knocked it off with Mikey because we’re pretty similar in many respects.
I’m just glad I’m not sharing with Mako Vunipola.
By his own admission he snores like a freight train and he’s gone through a few roomies already!
I kid you not, his snoring is so bad that he provides his poor room-mate with ear plugs!
My Scotland team-mate Sean Maitland is taking a bit of stick too.
I’d stick up for him but it’s his own fault, his clobber is a disgrace.
We had a day off on Thursday and he came down wearing trousers that looked as though they belonged in the 1970s. He took it well but then you have to, there is no room to hide if you’re the target of the abuse. I tell you what though, Sean certainly did his talking on the pitch on Tuesday.
I thought he was simply terrific at full-back against the Combined Country and he will have done his test chances no harm at all with that display.
He starts on the wing against NSW Waratahs and I hope for his sake he can kick on.
Stuart Hogg also did very well at fly half and he’s proving just how versatile a player he can be.
Hoggy has really caught the eye on this trip and considering he’s the youngest that’s fair play to him.
I’m also delighted that my good pal Ryan Grant has hooked up with the squad.
Granty is a top lad and it’s remarkable to think that this time last year he was only making his Scotland debut.
However, he had a wonderful 6 Nations campaign and he thoroughly deserves his chance with the Lions now it has come his way.
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