Even in advance of Cian Healy’s day of reckoning, and for all the sympathy towards his plight, all the vibes from the Lions camp were they had moved on following their four-hour trek across Australia to Brisbane’s warmer climes and the anticipated heightening of intensity.
Two hugely dark clouds hung over the 25-year-old’s tour and English loosehead Alex Corbisiero was already winging his way from their tour in Buenos Aires to arrive in Brisbane tomorrow.
When Healy woke up this morning in Brisbane he would not have bounced out of bed with that Friday feeling. Pending his deferred disciplinary hearing into allegations of biting (at 9am local time, midnight Irish time) he was then due to face an MRi scan on his ankle ligaments at 3pm local time (6am Irish).
If any of this had any effect on squad morale they weren’t showing it.
"I wouldn't say it affects the squad," said captain Sam Warburton, "but it does make you worry that it could happen to you and you have to take your chance while you've got it.
Gutted
"Cian is a big player for us as well, so I am gutted to see him pick up that injury and I'm just hoping it's not too bad. He's still with the squad now and the physios are doing everything they can to look after him, but it does make you realise you have to appreciate the opportunity you've got, because it could be taken away from you at any time."
The odds on Gethin Jenkins becoming the starting loosehead for his third tour in a row have shortened considerably.
The players have more pressing issues on their minds, such as facing up to the Reds tomorrow, when Tommy Bowe will be the only starting Irishman, on the left wing.
Warburton will be one of six players making their first tour start (only Rob Kearney has yet to) and, of course, makes his belated entry as captain in becoming the 800th Lion.
Impressively composed as ever and unfazed by the markers thrown down by Justin Tipuric he cited the absence of Chris Robshaw, Stephen Ferris and Kelly Brown as evidence of how ridiculously competitive the competition is at flanker.
There won’t be any prepared speeches to his men tomorrow, despite watching those Lions DVDs.
"I might have a think on the bus on the way in (to the stadium) and just say what feels natural, really. I don't plan anything. I've played with a few guys who have pre-planned cheesy speeches and it doesn't work. I just think you've got to speak from the heart really.
Complicate
"A lot of people complicate captaincy and ask me funny questions about it," he added, "but I've always just prioritised performance. I have a few things that I swear by as a captain – having a positive attitude, developing as a player and building up relationships, being professional and doing my job on the pitch. If I can tick those four boxes then I've done my job."
As for captaining the previous two Lions skippers, Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll, Warburton said: ‘It’s been great. Brian and Paul have both been really supportive and they’re both really nice, down-to-earth guys.
“Paul is actually a really good trainer, so we have spent a lot of time together in the gym. It has surprised me, how keen he is. We get on because we’re both gym monkeys, so that’s the common ground we both have. I’ve really enjoyed working with both those guys and they’ve been contributing as much to this tour as I have.’
While a first series win in four attempts is the primary target, Warburton seems no harm in aiming higher. "Andy Irvine, our tour manager said there's never been a Lions tour where they have won every match. I love that – you've got to aim for the stars, so that will be the goal."
LIONS (v Queensland Reds, tomorrow, 10.30am): S Hogg (Sco); A Cuthbert (Wal), M Tuilagi (Eng), J Davies (Wal), T Bowe (Ire); O Farrell (Eng), B Youngs (Eng); G Jenkins (Wal), T Youngs (Eng), M Stevens (Eng), R Gray (Sco), G Parling (Eng), D Lydiate (Wal), S Warburton (Wal, capt), T Faletau (Wal). Replacements: R Hibbart (Wal), M Vunipola (Eng), A Jones (Wal), P O'Connell (Ire), J Tipuric (Wal), C Murray (Ire), J Sexton (Ire), G North (Wal).
