The most popular ever post on my blog was about Living with Lions,  the greatest sports movie ever.
With the Lions Test series beginning today I decided to re-post it for anyone who missed it or needs help getting into the mood for the big match.
Living with Lions gives a spine-tingling insight into what happens when talent and will combine. Sadly lacking in talent, I’mve always been gripped by the sight of truly gifted individuals achieving their full potential. To do so as a team, sharing the memories for life, is even sweeter.

“The easy bit has passed,” growls Jim Telfer to the forwards in a meeting heavy with the menace of controlled aggression.
“Selection for the Test Team is the easy bit. This is your f***ing Everest boys… This is your Everest. To win for The Lions in a Test Match is the ultimate…
They don’t rate you. They don’t respect you. The only way to be rated is to stick one on them.
They are better than you’ve played against so far. They are better individually. So it’s an awesome task you have…
They don’t think f*** all of us. We’re here just to make up the f***ing numbers.
You have to find to find your own solace – your own drive, your own ambition, your own inner strength; for the greatest game of your f***ing life.

Rather quieter and more cerebral, Ian McGeechan constantly encourages the men to look back on what has put them where they are, to remember that their success is not just about them. The importance of the team, and of not letting your team down, is critical. They have all earned the right to be there; the step-up to greatness comes if you can then make the most of your moment.

You’ll meet each other in the street in thirty years time and there’ll just be a look. And you’ll know just how special some days in your life are.

Finally you might enjoy watching some of the players’ speeches in the pre-game build ups.

If you have enjoyed this post, consider seeing some of the others in the ‘Motivation’ blog category in the right sidebar, or my new motivational book, Ten Lessons from the Road! (sorry for the shameless plugging)