The mid week match saw me back in the pub again across the road form work. This time though I had a partner in crime as Steve (from Roman Candles) joined me in the Lamb and Lion taking a break from what sounded like a hectic day in the shop. We partook in breakfast whilst watching the match. It was more than one sided to say the least but a very surreal feeling to thing that in a weeks time I would be on a plane slowly making my way out there!!

Classic – stolen off twitter

Felatau spotted just before he ran on – spot the tags still on his shirt!!

Tom Croft, Simon Zebo – replacement to Tommy B who he is sat next to (he had to have a plate put into his broken hand)

Our view of the big screen in the Lamb & Lion – why do people choose to sit UNDER the big screen??

Stuart Hogg, Jamie Robert & BOD post match

The remainder of the week was of course spent trying to remember all the things that I would be likely to forget and regret once I was on the plane! I attempted packing, realising that it was only a restriction of 20kg I was very strict with what made it into the bag! If I haven’t got enough warm clothes – I’ll just have to buy a jumper or two out there!

My first attempt of pacing – well the bare essentials right?!

POC ready for a team meal

Adam ready for team meal (I really do worry about the choice of attire!!)

Manu ready for a team dinner

Mike Phillips, Manu, Croft, Parling & Youngs on top of the Harbour Bridge – I want to do this when I am there!

Tommy B showing off his sown up hand (he had a metal plate inserted into it)

Watched the last Saturday match before the tests in the Royal Oak again. Thought the plan was a few drinks and a spot of lunch after & was really looking forward to it, sadly it didn’t happen. I felt really bad for telling Mum and Dad that they couldn’t come over and see me before I went as they really wanted to, as I had made other plans – which never materialised. Story of my life! Guess I should have arranged to see them regardless, you would have thought I’d have learnt by now – history repeats itself yet again!! I had tingles throughout the majority of the match as departure day comes closer & closer.

Zebo & Halfpenny after Saturday’s match

Faz & Kearney post match

Spent the majority of the rest of the weekend curled up with my furballs and doing the last min packing and hoping that I actually have all hat I need. Sleep on Saturday night was pretty sporadic and I have a feeling that it will be the same again this evening and certainly tomorrow night!