Game day in Bloem and I kick it off with a visit to the Choet Visser Rugby Museum. The privately-owned collection is world-famous and was a big attraction this morning with coach loads of visitors making their way to No.3, Innes Avenue in one of the more well-to-do suburbs of the city.

It is an amazing collection of rugby memorabilia but Visser, a former South African Rugby Board official who passed away a couple of years ago, always insisted he was not a collector. "Every item is a personal keepsake," read a quote from the man himself, "friends have given them to me - only then does a rugby souvenir qualify for the museum."

And going by the varied collection, begun in the 1970s but with items dating back decades, his friendships were spread far and wide. He also has strong ties with the British & Irish Lions and in particular the legend that is Willie John McBride and the victorious class of 1974. He was also awarded the honour of Lions colours after acting as SA tour manager for the 1980 tourists.

A signed shirt from current Lions skipper Paul O'Connell was the latest addition to the collection, now run by Visser's family, while a visit had also been promised by head coach Ian McGeechan. Well worth a visit if you are ever in town.

From there it was on to the ground but not before the driver of the media bus had almost come to blows with the numerous security guards who had given him the run-around - we decided to disembark and leave them to it.

I am delighted to report that a healthier crowd flocked to the Vodacom Park but the 23,000 or so fans fell some way short of the 50,000 capacity. But there was an atmosphere where previously there has been none - thanks largely to the growing number of Lions fans who are joining the tour by the day.

Huge credit must go to the home side - and in particular messrs Jonker, Du Preez and Breedt for being true to their word and giving the Lions a real game. A narrow defeat was no consolation for those Cheetahs fans I came across - they wanted the win and came desperately close - about a foot according to Stephen Ferris - from stealing it with a drop goal.

I think a full crowd, energised by their side's brave exploits, could have got them over line. Be warned that big crowds are expected in Durban and Cape Town.

The Lions were quickly on their way to the airport after the game to begin their preparations for the clash with the Sharks where we may well see the Test team. Bloem has been great and it is a shame that my stay has been so short but tomorrow I am back on the Lions' trail.

Time to pack - if I had bothered to un-pack that is.