Henry, make a mistake ... please

The probability that, given a chance, a British selector will make a horrible mistake has kept Australian sports fans happy for years.

The possibility that the problem might be contagious and affect the Kiwi who coaches the Lions is keeping up my spirits.

Graham Henry's team for tomorrow is very encouraging for us exiled Aussies.

On his day, fit and well, Lawrence Dallaglio is one of the world's best players. But Henry is so desperate to have him he is prepared to leave out Richard Hill . . . on form, the best blindside flanker in world rugby.

Result! Sadly, I can't imagine Hill will be left out for the Tests. Shame, because I'm beginning to think we need all the help we can get.

There have been too many good signs for the Lions. The enjoyment of seeing Queensland spanked the other day (I support Western Australia and Australia - the Lions can do what they like to everyone else) was badly tempered by the realisation that under extreme provocation the Lions kept their discipline.

Reports of the home side being concerned about violence by the Lions after the Queensland game indicate a fairly desperate attempt at mind games (no one could take it too seriously after Michael Foley tried to punch Robert Howley into next week) and suggested that the Wallaby hierarchy are getting a bit worried. If they're worried, us fans are worried.

The A game may have delivered the Lions' first defeat, but it also exposed a lot of the dead wood in the squad. Anyone wanting to see Neil Jenkins in action, for example, should head for the golf course because he won't be allowed near the Test side. Once the kicking game is gone there isn't a lot left, and Jonny Wilkinson will coast into the Test spot.

So there was not a lot of comfort to be gleaned by Aussie fans. Even the replacements are in form - Martin Corry is playing like a champion, and the last thing the Lions needed was more depth in the back row.

I'm getting tired of waking up in the middle of the night worrying. It shouldn't be like this when Australia play the effete northerners - please feel free to add any clich?s you like about public schoolboys.

So I am now in the horrible position of having to support New South Wales, in the hope that they will sink a thorn or two into the Lions' paws.

It's unnatural, but ... go you Waratahs. Please.