At last there is a buzz around the tour - thanks largely due to the thousands of Lions fans (largely of Welsh extraction) who have joined us here in Port Elizabeth with the serious business of the Test series on the horizon.

The media pack has also been bolstered in recent days - a fact not lost on Lions tour manager Gerald Davies who inquired whether there was a suitable fine system in place for the late arrivals!

And this welcome shot in the arm for a tour that was seemingly flagging when it came to general interest is set to be underlined with the biggest crowd of the tour so far - and reportedly the biggest ever for a non-Test match involving the Lions - at the brand new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. A welcome total of 35,000 tickets had been sold as of last night for the 45,000 capacity venue.

(The sketchy local media claim the record for a non-Test clash is 38,000 - set when the Lions met the Waikato Chiefs but do not give a year. I assume this was in 1993 but I've been unable to verify this.)

This renewed interest may be largely due to the more favourable ticket pricing for this game (R85-R170/£6-£13) but could also be seen as a statement from the people of the Eastern Cape that they have a desire to see regular top-class rugby in the city - be that the Southern Kings in an expanded Super Rugby competition or regular visits by the Springboks.

Update - I have arrived at the impressive new stadium but it's still a building site in parts and probably lucky to get a safety certificate! Bright and blustery afternoon and the pitch looks a bit suspect - elet's hope it doesn't cut up like Wembley.