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  • irishtimes.com - Posted: June 15, 2009 @ 12:48 pm

    Sharks go hungry as Lions get stuck in

    Tommy

    The Western Province match was always going to be difficult but we definitely made it hard work for ourselves.  James Hook showed real character and balls to step up and nail that kick at the end, I can only admire players that have the nerve to do that.  I wouldn’t like to think what must go through their heads. 

    Personally, I didn’t really enjoy the match as it was very stop-start but was happy getting over the line and helping out in Ugo’s try.

    The rain was very strange, it didn’t just pour for long periods like at home, just short and sharp which left us drenched – although it didn’t compare to anything I have experienced on wet nights in the Magners League.  The supporters were brilliant at the game and certainly didn’t let the rain dampen their mood.  It was hard to concentrate, they were singing so loud I had to have a laugh to myself. 

    Sunday was meant to be a full day off, with shark diving the main activity people wanted to take part in.  Unfortunately, a training session was slotted into the morning meaning the Sharks got to miss out on a potentially hefty feast.  I was gutted as I’ve heard it’s meant to be an amazing experience.

    I had one of the most enjoyable meals in my life last night. As someone who doesn’t eat a lot of fish I was a little worried heading to Nobu for Joe Worsley’s birthday dinner.  But this was like no fish I have ever eaten before!  Joe knew the head chef from back in London and he really put on a show and after around ten courses I couldn’t eat any more. 

    People are starting to get a little nervous now as we are in Test week.  The intensity will be a lot different from what we have experienced so far as the anticipation of a Test match will always bring that on.  For the first time on this trip we will split as the team selected for Port Elizabeth will travel there tomorrow night and everyone else will head back to Durban.

  • 26 Comments »

    1.
    June 15, 2009
    1:09 pm

    good luck on sat – i think you’ll score at least 2 tries and smash habana out of the game!!

    Comment by SeamusL
    2.
    June 15, 2009
    1:10 pm

    Good luck to you Tommy and the rest of the 09 Lions squad for tomorrow and Saturdays 1st rest.. Looks like there is a great atmosphere amongst the squad and they all seem to want to play for each other which is key. If the players can rekindle some of the ‘74′ & ‘97′ determination and passion we will win on Saturday.
    Yours in Rugby.

    Louis

    Comment by Louis Magee jnr
    3.
    June 15, 2009
    1:16 pm

    Hi Tommy, Congrats on an unbelievable game, look forward to seeing you in the tests now :) The whole country is talking about your performaces, player of the tournament so far.

    Anyway, i have a quick question…
    Is there any chance of a date?
    I’ve got my own hair and teeth, child bearing hips, plenty of road frontage and a good dowry. My mother says i am pretty in an unconventional sense (if you squint and close one eye). I also really like your new hair cut, i too am a huge fan of Billy Ray Cyrus.
    I’ll let you take me to Supermacs and i might even splash out and let you buy me a large might mac meal. I cant wait……

    Comment by Desperado
    4.
    June 15, 2009
    1:19 pm

    Good luck for Saturday not that I think you need it – you seem to be having a ball on this tour.

    Comment by aj
    5.
    June 15, 2009
    2:01 pm

    Tommy – we were very disappointed that you didn’t’ break into a verse of Black Velvet Band when you were interviewed with Phil Vickery on Saturday post match.
    Please don’t let us down again. As Trap says, Your Country Needs You.

    Comment by Rugger Huggette
    6.
    June 15, 2009
    2:13 pm

    Good Luck Tommy for Saturday – you have been fantastic to watch all tour – can you pass a message of congrats on to Donncha aka Red Pants, am delighted he’s captaining tomorrow.

    Comment by Marsha Dublin
    7.
    June 15, 2009
    2:42 pm

    I am a little confused-i thought that there was meant to be 15 players on a rugby team. I only ask cos all I keep hearing is TOMMY, TOMMY,TOMMY!!!!

    Congrats on your man of the match winning performance- your certainly my man of the match.

    Springboks here you come.

    Xox

    Comment by confusedblonde.com
    8.
    June 15, 2009
    2:43 pm

    T-dog

    Being a big Munster fan myself, it’s great to see Donncha captaining the team tomorrow. Hoping RoG can force his way in to the Test team too. Best of luck in Durban.

    Peace.

    Comment by Rory McPhillips
    9.
    June 15, 2009
    3:00 pm

    Best of luck on Saturday. Can’t believe what a tour you’re having and your six nations was incredible. Your time at the Ospreys seems to have turned you into a try-scoring machine. Hopefully you’ll come back to Ireland again but this time with Munster.
    Keep it goin
    You’re a legend,
    Barry

    Comment by Barry
    10.
    June 15, 2009
    3:04 pm

    wat a match on saturday!!

    Congrats on the try and setting up the other!

    Fingers crossed for this saturday!! :) :)

    Comment by Ciára
    11.
    June 15, 2009
    3:34 pm

    Congrats on the try and another vistory
    Good Luck and fingers and toes crossed for Saturday

    Comment by JAF
    12.
    June 15, 2009
    3:38 pm

    “helped out for Ugos try” now that is an understatement if ever I’ve seen one.
    No pressure Tommy but keep playing like this and you could become one of the greatest Lions ever.Your break for Ugos try was sublime but the pass over the defenders head, perfectly weighted for Monye to run in was out of this world.When you start this weekend you have nothing to lose.You have already done your country proud.
    Cheers

    Comment by Rory
    13.
    June 15, 2009
    3:55 pm

    Your having a great tour & most important all you guys look like you are enjoying your selves
    look forward to seeing you play on Saturday & remember Leinster on the hunt for a new Rocky

    Comment by Smiley
    14.
    June 15, 2009
    4:58 pm

    Just heard you’re playing tomorrow. Best of luck. Just hope you don’t tire yourself out for Saturday what with all the try scoring you’ll be doing.
    Best of luck to you and the rest of the lads.

    Comment by Adam
    15.
    June 15, 2009
    5:16 pm

    Jesus Tommy you are playing out of your SKIN
    keep it going and still have a few Pints

    Comment by kieran leonard
    16.
    June 15, 2009
    5:17 pm

    Well played Tommy – you’re da man! Great performances since you got there and you appear to be enjoying yourselves. Hope to see you knocking up points on the Tests – great blog! oh and give my regards to my nephew Andy P!!

    Comment by Paul Grose
    17.
    June 15, 2009
    5:28 pm

    Good on ya Tommy – you are playing a blinder.
    I hope Donnacha didnt get too upset when he saw all those Lobsters in the tank. May have made him homesick.
    By the way – what are the mushrooms like over there?

    Comment by Austin
    18.
    June 15, 2009
    7:32 pm

    Her eyes they shown like diamonds

    I thought her the queen of the land

    And her hair, it hung over her shoulder

    Tied up with a black velvet band

    Comment by Tom-Tom
    19.
    June 15, 2009
    10:12 pm

    Another brilliant game for you Tommy! Great stuff! Can’t wait to see Saturdays game! Delighted for Donnacha, what a honour, pass on best wishes to him!! Paul to captain on saturday! Go on the Munster boys!!
    Carrie

    Comment by Carrie
    20.
    June 16, 2009
    8:42 am

    T-Dawg

    The try you scored at the weekend was something else, unbelievable explosive power. Ive been spending alot of time in the Gym recently but just seem to be looking more like Phil Vickery every day rather than a speedster like yourself, any tips

    Comment by Michael Young
    21.
    June 16, 2009
    9:29 am

    Next time, would you sing Regulate by Warren G ft. Nate Dogg. I just know the gritty, street lyrics would remind the boys just what there playing for and keep their feet on the ground for the tests.

    Well done on your fantastic performances and for your witty, inciseful blog. The power you’ve shown on the rugby field bears striking similarities to the power your written word has to influence your readership.

    Comment by Brian Gahan
    22.
    June 16, 2009
    10:11 am

    T Bowe-I just hope you get to enjoy the bench today and rest for Saturday!

    Comment by Rinco
    23.
    June 16, 2009
    3:37 pm

    BEST OF LUCK TOMMY FROM A PHYSIO FRIEND OF YOUR MUM S YOUR A TRIBUTE TO YOUR FAMILY AND COUNTRY

    Comment by SUSAN
    24.
    June 16, 2009
    4:15 pm

    Good luck for Saturday you are playing brilliantly keep it up and score at least two in the first test. Best wishes to all on the team we are all very proud of all of you.

    Comment by Margaret
    25.
    June 18, 2009
    12:20 pm

    Good Luck Saturday Tommy and all the lads, we are all proud of you

    Anna
    Waterford

    Comment by anna
    26.
    June 19, 2009
    2:04 am

    Best Of Luck for Saturday..Tommy..Your gona Rip the Boks defence apart!!!..

    To Get a bit of a laugh before the first test I strongly advise you to watch the.. “Paul O’Connell’s Grand Slam Winning Interview. By Ian Benjamin Kenny”..it’s on Youtube and it rips off Paulie’s facial expressions!!(U’ll get some quality laugh i guarantee you!)

    Comment by Conor

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