Sorry Italy. This European integration stuff is all very well, but in a Lions year we have another task on our hands. A British and Irish Expeditionary Force must be assembled for the Australian campaign. And, frankly, it has got nothing to do with you lot.
Which is maybe a pity. What would Lions coach Warren Gatland give for the all-round excellence of Sergio Parisse in his back row, or the finishing power of Wesley Fofana on the wing? Or, indeed, the psychological advantage France gained in their 33-6 hammering of the Wallabies in Paris two months ago?
But even without the Continental dimension, Gatland is spoiled for choice. That embarrassment of riches brings its own problem in the captaincy issue, as none of the front-runners to lead the squad is guaranteed a place in the side. In eight weeks, that should be resolved. But this is what we think the team chosen today might look like.
Full-back
Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)
Recently returned from a long absence, and with no Heineken Cup distractions, Kearney should be fresh. Has all the counter-attacking skills needed against Australia.
Right wing
Tommy Bowe (Ulster/Ireland)
Chris Ashton is Bowe's main rival for the 14 shirt, but experience and attitude should favour the prolific Irishman.
Outside centre
Manu Tuilagi (Leicester/England)
Just too good to leave out. Maybe not the best defensive centre, but his power and skills going forward more than compensate.
Inside centre
Jamie Roberts (Blues/Wales)
Player of the tour with the Lions in South Africa four years ago, Roberts shines on the biggest stage.
Left wing
George North (Scarlets/Wales)
The Welsh Jonah Lomu. Big man, great skills and a scoring record to die for. But needs a big Six Nations as Tim Visser is right behind him.
Fly-half
Jonathan Sexton (Leinster/Ireland)
A worker and an all-rounder, Sexton has been the best 10 available for some time. And the Lions will need a top-notch goal-kicker.
Scrum-half
Mike Phillips (Bayonne/Wales):
England's Danny Care could push him all the way, but Phillips will still be the first port of call for Gatland.
Loosehead prop
Ryan Grant Glasgow/Scotland)
A beacon in a dismal 2012 for Scotland, Grant may well muscle his way into the loosehead slot as Ian McLauchlan, David Sole and Tom Smith did before him.
Hooker
Rory Best (Ulster/Ireland)
A close call, as Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs are also in the frame (as is Ross Ford if he rediscovers his form). But Best is the safe bet for the moment.
Tighthead prop
Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales) Dogged, dependable, a rock in the Welsh front row for the past decade. Though an in-form Euan Murray would have a shout.
Left lock
Richie Gray (Sale/Scotland)
A huge man with sublime skills, Gray is as good in defence as he is in rampaging attack. This should be the stage to put club and country disappointments aside.
Right lock
Joe Launchbury (Wasps/England)
Maybe still a touch callow, but if the Wasps lock continues on his autumn trajectory he could get there.
Blindside flanker
Dan Lydiate (Dragons/Wales)
Best player in the Six Nations last year, Lydiate is a tackling machine and Gatland loves his willingness and work ethic.
Openside flanker
Chris Robshaw (Harlequins/England) Will the No 7 shirt come with a captain's armband sewn in? If so, it is between Robshaw and Sam Warburton of Wales. On current form, the Englishman edges it.
No 8
Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
Hard as nails and with a sharp rugby brain, Heaslip was targeted by South Africa four years ago. Australia won't be any happier to see him.
Alasdair Reid
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