Michael Corcoran's Blog

Port Elizabeth looks like a popular choice for the 'older generation' in their later years as they seek to unwind and chill out and perhaps contemplate what might have been with their lives.

Perhaps that was the theme for some of South Africa's 'older generation' of rugby players on Tuesday as they sought to 'climb in' to the visiting British and Irish Lions players, all under the name of playing for the Southern Kings, a newly formed rugby enterprise representing the Eastern Cape.

The home side contained a number of 'thirty-somethings' - De Wet Barry, Frikkie Welsh, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Delarey du Preez and Wylie Human amongst them - perhaps they saw it as their final opportunity for a shot at the big time before they too blended in to some 'older generation' place for players nearing the end of their playing career.

If that is the way the 'Golden Oldies' want to be remembered perhaps they should consider forming their own touring group travelling around, entertaining people inside a big tent, because I believe that's where they belong.

Away from the rugby field, where they are out of harm's way and if they want to 'climb in' to each other they can, for as long as they can.

London Harlequins must have watched the game in disbelief as one of their former players made more 'hits' during the game than in his entire playing career with the club. He must have been too busy working out the exchange rates..

Today is a rest day for both squads in the build-up to Saturday's first Test in Durban. The Gateway Shopping Mall just north of the city could have hosted an unofficial Test earlier today though, it was the popular venue of choice for the Spingbok and Lions squads.

Happily, peace and harmony were all in order as players from both sides kept a watching brief on each other from a respectable distance.

However, former Springbok and current kicking coach Percy Montgomery was also spotted there, he was sporting an Italian football jersey and even paid a visit to an Italian eatery at lunchtime.

Perhaps a new career move is on the cards for him?

The speculation has reached almost fever pitch ahead of the Lions' team naming on Thursday. Stephen Ferris was spotted in the gym on an exercise bike prompting some thought he might be ok in a few weeks' time? No, not the case said coach McGeechan.

I would suggest the Lions management will be aware of how competitive they need to be at the breakdown and how effective the home side will be. There is some chat that David Wallace may play at 6, with Martyn Williams at 7, Heaslip at 8.

Also, it appears that Alun Wyn Jones is the front runner to partner Paul O'Connell in the second row.

The Ronan O'Gara v Stephen Jones debate continues, and although there's not a whole lot between them either, personally I have said I would favour O'Gara. I have nothing to change my mind but I'm sure the debate will continue for a while yet.

The Twenty20 Cricket World Cup has captured the imagination of most of the travelling media here, debates have raged as to what benefit it has for the development of the game.

The more athletic amongst us have organised a 'beach cricket' game this afternoon, if it's as competitive as the recent game of beach rugby, the Southern Kings may look like saints in many people's eyes.