I can't be too negative about my compatriots

Beating the Poms is a huge part of Australian sport and tomorrow's Test is the latest in a long line of great sporting occasions. That is why I have been dismayed at all this talk about the Second Test in Brisbane in 1989, with constant references to the 'Battle of Ballymore' and predictions of similar problems this time.

As far as I am concerned, and I played in that Test, harking back to 1989 is about as relevant as 1889. The current Lions have been accused of illegal tactics in the tight play, doing things off the ball and just about anything else likely to incur the wrath of the referee.

I just hope it all stops now the Test series has arrived and, please, can we just get on the with game. All it tells me is that we still hold the Lions of 12 years ago in high respect because they won a series the Wallabies could have claimed.

That series was a great disappointment because that was one of the chances in my career to achieve something memorable that got away.

I was lucky enough to win the 1991 World Cup and experience a Grand Slam in the UK in 1984, but I missed out on a win over the Lions.

What the Lions did very well in 1989 was target our captain Nick Farr-Jones, the Wallaby scrum-half, because they knew that by stopping Nick then you cut off the ball that should have been heading out to David Campese on the wing. That's what they had to do and it worked.

This current Wallaby side revolves around half-backs George Gregan and Steve Larkham and the Lions will try and break up this partnership because both players are capable of running the game. Gregan snipes around the break downs with his daring runs and throws clever flip passes inside. If him and Larkham put on a good show then the Lions will have real problems.

The worst incident of foul play on this tour did not come from the Lions but Duncan McRae, the New South Wales full-back, last weekend.

He pummelled a defenceless Ronan O'Gara who was pinned to the floor. It was cowardly and disgraceful. If NSW are interested in the image of the game they should rip up his contract because that would send out the right message.

Here was a guy who, after raining blows down on an opponent, was sent off and walked to the dressing rooms with a smirk on his face and that was inexcusable. Very little gets missed by television cameras these days and that is why I expect a very physical, but clean, First Test.

Having lived for five years in London I am able to tell my family and friends here in Brisbane just what a Lions tour means to you guys and the massive anticipation about the series.

This is not an everyday occurrence and despite all the injuries and the death of baggage man Anton Toia this is a dangerous Lions team focused on winning.

However, I take the Wallabies to win the First Test on the basis that I am an Australian - hey, did you really expect anything else!