Hayes’ trip down memory lane

IN many ways, this morning’s date with Southland was the game no British and Irish Lion wanted to be a part of.

Inclusion in this fixture, five days before the first test against New Zealand, means a seat in the stands for the match all 45 players had set their hearts on playing in.

John Hayes, at least, has a crumb of comfort to ease his pain. The 32-year-old Munster and Ireland forward is returning to a place he has fond memories of from his time with the Marist club in Invercargill, and retracing the steps that saw him convert from a lock to a prop.