Ruthless Andy Farrell has not backed down from tough calls with series on the line
Sione Tuipulotu may be back in his native Melbourne but even after an impressive performance in the first Test, Farrell had initially made the decision to revert to the Irish pairing of Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose.
Ringrose only pulled out after the final training session at Xavier College on Thursday, courageously declaring to Farrell that his head did not feel right, having sustained a concussion earlier in the tour, which had ruled him out of the first Test.
Ringrose's sacrifice says much about the tightness of the bond that has formed within the group and Huw Jones will seamlessly step back into the side.
Tuipulotu's hamstring has since tightened and he may not have been able to play away, but Farrell did not hesitate in reverting to what seems to have been his original plan to start the first Test with Aki and Ringrose in the first Test. If Ringrose had remained fit, it would have taken the Irish starting tally to 10 with two further on the bench.
The easier decision would have been to stick with the same backline, given the manner of the Lions' barnstorming opening in Brisbane, during which Tuipulotu scored the first try after just eight minutes, and Huw Jones saw one chalked off for not releasing in the tackle.
But Farrell's instinct ensures he does not back away from the tough calls, whatever the public reaction. There is also rugby logic behind the selection of his son Owen on the bench after his commanding display on Tuesday night.
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