IT'S the first time this column has been written from Hong Kong en route for Brisbane, but whether you're here or in the British Lions or Australian camps the message has got to be the same - cool it.

If there is a repeat in Saturday's eagerly awaited first Test between the world class champions and the Lions of the violence which so badly scarred the battle of New South Wales there will be only one outcome - a bloodbath.

And that is something the game can do without just at a time when rugby is gaining in popularity in previously rugby league mad Australia.

The incident in which Ronan O'Gara's face was so badly disfigured after a volley of punches from Duncan McRae was, indeed, sickening. A seven-match ban is inadequate.

Now the heat really is on and it has to be said the omens don't look good. The three major Australian coaches, Rod Macqueen, Bob Dwyer and Eddie Jones, perhaps alarmed at the Lions' supercharged opening to the tour, have been accusing the Lions of a whole series of illegalities.

They have claimed the Lions have offended at scrum and lineout, all of which has appeared to be an attempt to influence the referees to penalise the Lions up front and reduce their power effectively.

All this has been further stoked up in the Australian media, which lacks much rugby union expertise, into more traditional Pommie bashing normally associated with cricket.

That has served to fan the flames in a physical sport like rugby and the sparks well and truly flew in that New South Wales disaster.

The tour can now go one of two ways. It can either boil over completely and descend into total thuggery or all parties concerned can take a step back from the brink.

There has been a precedent when on the 1971 tour to New Zealand first choice Lions props Sandy Carmichael of Scotland and Ray Mcoughlin of Ireland were punched out of the tour in the infamous game against Canterbury. The untried Ian 'Mighty Mouse' McLauchlan and Sean Lynch stepped in, the Lions resolve stiffened, the squad regrouped and under the guidance of the incomparable Carwyn James, became the first Lions team to beat the All Blacks in a series on their own soil.

What chance of the 2001 Lions doing something similar?

They did triumph in Australia in 1989, but this time they are taking on the world champions.

For a start the Lions can't afford any more injuries.

It may be an uncommonly large party but even before the first Test Simon Taylor, Phil Greening, Mike Catt, Dan Luger and Lawrence Dallaglio have been invalided out of the tour.

On top of that Will Greenwood is out of the first Test while Rob Howley is struggling with his fitness.

But despite all these woes there have been major plusses - how about the force of Jason Robinson for starters?

He's really got Australia worried while the partnership of skipper Martin Johnson and Danny Grewcock look impregnable.

Dafydd James has been a revelation, Brian O'Driscoll full of menace and Jonny Wilkinson inspirational.

Then there is the depth of ability in the back row. Martin Corry was terrific against Queensland Reds but looks like missing out, Richard Hill has been outstanding, but may not have made it had Dallaglio been completely fit (surely Neil Back has to play), Scott Quinnell looks secure at number eight, Colin Charvis can't get a real look-in, though he too has impressed with limited opportunities.

Keith wood has been pure, infectious Keith Wood, Phil Vickery is the anchor while Darren Morris and Tom Smith are having their own private battle.

And that's the only battle we want to see in Brisbane on Saturday

Thousands of Lions supporters are on their way but let's keep it within reason as it was in South Africa four years ago.

Victory for the Lions would be enormously acceptable, of course, but not at the expense of the game itself.

The Australians have got to keep their powder dry this time.