Jack Ogalbe: Ignore the Lions naysayers and strap in for an amazing summer

Four years since the sad sight of empty stadiums in South Africa, the British & Irish Lions returned with a pop rather than a bang last Friday in Dublin.

The defeat to Argentina at a packed Aviva crowd prompted the predictable negativity regarding the Lions' place in the modern rugby calendar. However, there's no shame in a scratch side losing to the fifth-best international team in the world and, with the Pumas three places above Australia in world rankings, on paper at least, they are the toughest side the tourists will face this summer.

To those who doubt the concept, ask yourself: in what other walk of life do so many people at the top of their game spend almost four years battling each other, only to abandon any prejudices and bind together for the final two months of that cycle to try to beat one of the greatest rivals they could face?

Money means the Lions will last forever, and some southern hemisphere nations build their financial forecasts around the cash generated by playing them every 12 years. Putting that cynicism aside, the institution continues to fascinate seasoned rugby watchers, casual fans and newcomers alike for what the badge represents, not just on the pitch but also off it through the touring parties' work in the communities they visit.

Their lack of time together was evident against Argentina, when combinations failed to click and individuals attempted plays they wouldn't usually dream of.

But there were positives. Although the line-out was a mess, the scrum was exceptional and the defeat might be a good omen. 

The last time the Lions lost their opening fixture in 1971, they went on to record what remains their only series victory in New Zealand.

British & Irish Lions Schedule for Australia

Dublin is in the past, and it's been great to see the media chat ramp up since the tourists landed in Perth.

Both camps have attempted to rattle each other through the press and Andy Farrell's side could produce a big performance when the tour starts in earnest against the Western Force. 

The Force finished as the lowest-ranked Australian side in this year's Super Rugby Pacific and, while they are without some of their Wallabies, Andy Farrell has gone big with his selection.

Injuries mean Hugo Keenan and Jamison Gibson-Park are unavailable, and Blair Kinghorn will travel after playing in Toulouse's Top 14 final against Bordeaux.

Still, Farrell's team in Perth carries a first Test vibe. 

Hooker Dan Sheehan looks a certain starter and captains the side. The 10-12-13 combination of Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, and Garry Ringrose, or maybe Huw Jones, could also be retained for the opening match against the Wallabies on July 19.

The back row was unbalanced against Argentina, and Tadhg Beirne's move from lock to flanker adds an extra line-out option to help improve that area. 

Henry Pollock gets his chance at number eight and a chance to challenge Jack Conan as the favourite for arguably the weakest role in the squad.

Caelan Doris's shoulder injury robbed Farrell of his potential captain, but did it also open up the opportunity to play a wildcard? 

While the Lions are in Australia, Taulupe Faletau is with Wales in Japan and I'm convinced the three-time tourist, who starred in the victorious final Test in 2013, will jet in at some point.

Despite his injuries, Faletau quickly becomes Test-ready when fit. He's been lightly raced at club level and is still good enough to grace any selection.

Joe Schmidt has transformed the Wallabies since taking over as Australia coach in 2024Credit: Getty Images

Every tour needs an opposition and Australia will be sterner than expected. 

Eddie Jones blooded youngsters at the 2023 World Cup and was punished as his team crashed out in the pool stage, but those decisions left Joe Schmidt with a roster featuring forward leaders like Angus Bell, Rob Valentini and Harry Wilson.

Behind them, NRL import Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i might be the most exciting back in world rugby and has built-in beef with Tuipulotu after the two clashed at Murrayfield last autumn.

Schmidt's inside knowledge, gained from his time coaching Leinster and then Ireland, is also a plus. He was also part of the New Zealand backroom staff that outmanoeuvred Ireland at the World Cup by kicking long, not over-committing at the ruck and making them play from wide.

The Kiwi has won only six out of his 13 Tests in charge, but one of those was at Twickenham, and from looking like potential 3-0 series losers 12 months ago, the Wallabies are coming good.

And if you want a tip, take the 15-8 on a 2-1 Lions series win, which has landed either way on the last three trips to Australia.

These tours are always tighter than anticipated and I expect the Lions to win in Brisbane, lose in Melbourne and then get it sorted in Sydney. 

Either way, it's going to be a great seven weeks, so dig out your red shirt and enjoy the ride.

Read more on the British & Irish Lions:

Western Force vs British & Irish Lions predictions, betting tips and odds 

Dan Sheehan to lead British & Irish Lions against Western Force 

Graham Woods: Instinct and experience key for Lions punters 

Maro Itoje 2-5 to lead British & Irish Lions to success in Australia 

Jack Ogalbe: Injury hell harsh on Doris but Maro the right man to lead the Lions 

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