17 September A highly motivated Blues squad took a ride to the Tokyo National Stadium for training today ahead of Wednesday's match against Keio University. The squad were privileged to enjoy the luxurious facilities of this stadium which hosted numerous international sides during the World Cup Finals earlier this year. Having walked past the billiard table pitch and immaculate stands, the squad entered the lavish changing rooms which were complete with Panasonic widescreen television DVD and video. Tour 'whinger' Adam Russell was alleged to have exclaimed to the wide eyed squad at this particular juncture, 'This tour is awful', or words to that effect. Training was completed under a small, apparently now traditional, Japanese down pour. The Captain's Run was complete with a grand finale under the now Captain Adam Russell with a call of 'Grenade ball' on the final scoring move. This involved the eventual try scorer 'Bad Boy' Nick Wood throwing the ball in the air after grounding it, the remainder of the team putting their fingers in their ears and all falling on the floor when the ball hit the ground. Numerous other special moves, such as 'Machine Gun Ball' and 'the Lawnmower' have been suggested for use in upcoming matches. The afternoon was spent with players not involved in Wednesday's game hitting the gym, whilst the others performed a hot/cold bath and now famous Brett Robinson 'Puff and Buff'. The puff being the gym work and the buff being traditional Japanese bathing session for those aching limbs. The bathing involves five minutes in a hot tub of around 45 degrees and a minute in a cold tub of about 15 degrees. This is alleged to relieve the aches and pains of training. Rumour has it that extensive 'puff and buff' facilities will be installed at Iffley Road in the near future. Needless to say, the excessive cold of the baths had a dramatic effect on the modesty of the players. Amusement of the players during long hotel stays and periods when they are resting up for training or matches can be hard to find. In the last few days this has appeared in the form of the tour sheep - Dolly. This form of inflatable and flat pack sheep was given to the precious care of the Australians on the tour as a 'tour prop', something which should be kept under close watch at all times lest it be separated from its owner and brought to the 'Tour Court' which occurs on the last night of the tour. In the last few days it was discovered that the sheep had slipped from the possession of the Australians, and rumour has it that a ransom had been demanded. To support the random demand a 'piece of wool' was mailed to the Australians as proof of life. The kidnappers room was duly ransacked by an elite special force team, but no sign of Dolly was found, although the kidnappers passport was taken. It is believed that an exchange of the sheep in return for the passport is currently being negotiated. The author will keep you all informed of Dolly's welfare. Please try to remain calm, and any knowledge of her whereabouts would of course be highly appreciated. If anybody can help please email Dolly@lostinjapan.com