Rather than go through a formulaic 36-man theoretical squad every week, with references to ‘being on the plane’ or ‘in the departure lounge’ we’re going to pepper the next few weeks with occasional Lions-related musings.

This week we’ve come to the realisation that two doughty Englishmen have come to the fore in competitive positions, and we have them inked in to our would-be test team.

The first, to the surprise of nobody, is their upstanding captain Chris Robshaw.  Hmmm, I hear you say.  A one paced openside, who brings none of the linking play of Justin Tipuric or the explosive power and try-scoring of Steffon Armitage.  Fair comments all, but Robshaw is just such an excellent fellow that he has to captain the team.  He strikes us as the sort of hard-working man of integrity and all round jolly handsome chap that will unite the band of brothers behind him on tour.  This fellow never gives up, and is all heart.  Remember the Lions maxim: it’s not just about being a good player, it’s about being a good tourist.  Robshaw at 7 with the explosive carrying of O’Brien at 6 looks like the best balancing act on the flanks.  We retain huge admiration for Tipuric, who would provide a real alternative in the backrow, but the fleet-footed Welshman may have to be sprung from the bench.  If Robshaw’s form slipped, well, judging by the type of upstanding yeoman he is, he’d take it on the chin and lead the midweek team to some really impressive wins over Western Force seconds, or whoever it is they’re playing.

The second is a less obvious choice.  In fact he’s not even starting in the England team!  But that’s how good this England team are these days (don’t worry we’re only kidding).  But it’s true, he’s not in the starting team, for some reason.  Yes, it’s Danny Care, reserve England scrum half.  And oh me oh my, how good he is.  When he came off the bench against France, we suddenly noticed a most subtle change in England: instead of immediately hoofing the ball in the air, they started running with – and even passing! – the football.  I know, I know, hard to believe.  It looked to our eyes to have everything to do with Care’s super-swift arrival at the ruck and super-smooth passing.  It enabled England to up the tempo and take the game away from France.  He’s the perfect foil for Johnny Sexton at 10, and the thought of the two combining to destroy the Wallabies is giving us great excitement.