Podcast: Swimming with Sharks

And petting puppies. And Lions. And Horses. This is the list of things that Kevin McLaughlin, Donncha O'Callaghan and I talk about in order to get away from Ireland's defeat in Wales.

Warren Gatland hasn’t picked a back as Lions captain. It’s not a surprise.

Warren Gatland has never picked a forward as his test captain. Don't believe me?

2nd Test Lions Nuggets

Some snippets of Lions stats and trivia for the Irish Examiner.

Gatland’s Risky Youngs Pick

Ben Youngs has been picked as an attacking threat but is it too much of a defensive gamble?

Who are you, and what have you done with Tom Croft?

Dan Lydiate replaces Tom Croft with Sean O'Brien promoted to the bench. Tom Croft's still in the squad, covering lock as well as blind side, but on tour he's not the same player as that from the 2012/13 season.

Lady Luck, the Lions and Mel Gibson

Australia and the Lions have both had their share of good and bad luck since Saturday morning.

Adam Jones is Jonesian.

Before the first Lions test Adam Jones had carried once, for one yard on this tour. That and other snippets in a first test preview for Balls.ie.

The Curious Case of Dan Lydiate on the Subs Bench

And how Leigh Halfpenny could make the big difference for the Lions if his kicking hot streak continues.

Has the Lions opposition really been that awful?

I look at the Lions scorelines in their first five tour games compared to previous tours.

Is Rory Best getting dealt a bad hand?

Rory Best has been getting a bad rap for his throwing but does the blame lie more on his team mates?