Kit Farrell: I've never been any old punter

A couple of the lads and myself went on a 'roadie' to the 'Naki last week.

This was heartland rugby, sport without parallel.

I must confess that I was bored with this tour before it even started with the nostalgia bollocks and that but this match brought home the magic of the tour.

Not that I got to see as much of the game as I would have liked. The queues for the beer tent were 15 minutes deep and after five trips to that particular establishment you can have a pretty rough stab at how much footie I saw.

It would be fair to say my profile allowed me to move up the queue quicker than your average punter but I'm always a bit reluctant to use my celebrity status for personal gain.

On this occasion, though, I was thirsty (and to the man who called me a "useless twat" - nice chambray shirt, ginga).

The odd kickback here and there has long been an accepted part of life as a pro rugby player. Bar managers will provide free drinks if you just happen to patronise their place, likewise at restaurants and certain other 'establishments and certain other 'services'.

One of the most touching and rewarding moments of my life happened when a small boy's mother begged me to see her desperately ill child. He looked a pathetic wretch lying in hospital with several tubes hanging out his arms but he visibly brightened when he saw his hero turn up.

His parents had practically wiped out their life savings caring for the boy but somehow managed to find a few hundgee for me which I found incredibly moving. I must admit I nearly refused the money but knew this would set a bad precedent for some of the younger players.

I'd hate to think what the Lions are getting for their hospital visits.

But back to the rugby.

The Lions have impressed me greatly since they've been here. They're focused - I'm hearing reports the boys are not even out on the pull every night, which must have the class of '93 turning in their graves - and a lot harder than people give them credit for.

They also kick well out of hand which is incredibly important in night rugby during June, July and sometimes August.

I'm not usually one for backing against our boys, particularly when many of them are former team-mates, but I cannot see this series being anything other than 3-0 to the Lions.

You read it here first.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY