If Alun Wyn Jones manages to put in a proper shift against the Springboks on Saturday then we will have no choice but to anoint him as superhuman.

I mean, it's ridiculous. On 26th June Jones dislocated his shoulder against Japan. Four weeks later he will lead the Lions out against the Springboks in Cape Town. That's just insane.

The selection of Jones by Gatland is a brave one (some may say a gamble) - and it would also appear that the rest of the team has been, for the most part, selected on form rather than reputation. Crikey, there are even three Scots in the starting XV!

I may have had a downer on this tour as a whole but, despite everything, as a contest this first Test is impossible to predict, with neither side really adequately prepared. No doubt it will be a tense, physical affair and, for the first half at least, mostly aerial. I am hoping that the Lions' greater match fitness will prevail, but I have a sneaky feeling the Springboks will edge the result by 3-6 points.

Still, Alun Wyn Jones will then perform his next trick by turning water into wine.