This year's Lions tour was all about a return to the tradtional values of the elite tourists as opposed to the bloated trip to New Zealand four years ago. And with that promise appears to be a very open-door policy when it comes to the players and management.

Following the Lions' mauling of the Golden Lions at Ellis Park, players, journalists and a a few fans mingled and drank in the team's hotel bar. The players were relaxed, there were no signs of cliques and Joe Worsley and Euan Murray even engaged in a bit of piano duelling while Paul O'Connell added some comedy with a bandage covering his corneal abrasion.

I am not sure whether such a scenario would play out in any other sport - for example I doubt very much it would be the case should England qualify for next year's Fifa World Cup.

It is just one of the things that makes the Lions special - although I am not so sure this will be the case when the Test series rolls around - I'll be sure to let you know.