We're off and running - rugby's last great adventure has another dedicated follower.

My flight touched down in Jo'burg safe and sound this morning and I emerged a little bleary-eyed to blue skies and warm sunshine. Bumped into Rugby World editor Paul Morgan and BBC Five Live's Ian Robertson and some immediate networking secured me a lift into the city with Stephan Weyers and Gerrie Swart from Essentially - which is one of the big players, if not the biggest, in rugby talent management.

Incredibly generous guys who were not only helpful in terms of their vehicle and advice but also offered to get me some access with the Boks they look after. A promise to meet again over a few beers saw us part and a swift check in at my hotel was followed by a trip up the road to the Sandton Convention Centre for the Lions team announcement.

A host of familiar faces gather for the press conference - the British & Irish press are here in good numbers and South Africa too are represented - including Die Burger's Stephen Nell who you will also recognise from the pages of Scrum.com.

A chuckle emanated from the press pack as the Lions branding fell off the front of the top table just as tour manager Gerald Davies began to speak - let's hope the wheels don't fall off this weekend.

It was all positive from the Lions triumvirate of Davies, Ian McGeechan and Paul O'Connell and there's no doubt the side they have picked is pretty formidable on paper - a big pack and some exciting backs. We've heard the word so much over the last few weeks - but will they 'gel'?

Soon it was time to get my bearings here in Sandton - one of the more pleasant areas of Jo'burg by all accounts. Many of the Lions were seen wandering around the huge shopping centre on our doorstep - they are staying up the road too - no fans to worry about but I'm sure that will change as we get nearer the Tests.

First surreal sight of the tour - Joe Worsely sat alone in one of the large function rooms at their swanky hotel playing a grand piano - he's quite good you know.

And while I remember - don't forget you can follow my updates - http://www.twitter.com/Graham_Jenkins and you can also check out the official ESPN Scrum Twitter site.