With the opening game of the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa now just a day away, we take a numerical look at the facts and figures surrounding Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated clash with a Royal XV in Phokeng.
14, 106 and 28 – the margins of victory recorded by the Lions in their first matches on the last three tours.
256 – the number of games played by the Lions on tours in South Africa after their opening game at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
13 – the number of tours of South Africa undertaken by the Lions since 1891.
8 – the number of players in Saturday’s matchday 22 who have played for the Lions before.
9 – the number of players named in Saturday’s starting XV who will be making their debuts in Lions colours.
686 – the number of Test caps in the starting line-up
6 – the number of players in the 22 who have captained their country and the number of Ospreys in the same matchday squad.
918 – the weight in kilos of the Lions pack this Saturday.
18 – the average weight in stones of each Lions forward named in the original starting line up for the tour opener.
7 – the number of Welshmen in the starting line-up against the Royal XV.
4 – the number of times the Lions have lost their opening tour fixture in 27 tours.
