Dan Sheehan says Lions can fire up travelling support if they ‘give them a win'
The Lions are strong favourites to complete their first triumphant tour since 2013 when they toppled the Wallabies 2-1 and they enter Saturday's opening Test buoyed by a perfect record Down Under of five wins.
Fans will start streaming into Brisbane over the coming days and in the face of criticism in the Australian media that Andy Farrell's tourists have shown limited willingness to engage in community events, Sheehan declares winning is the only currency that matters.
'The best way to connect with supporters is to give them a win,' the Ireland hooker said.
'Performance is the way to do that. Yeah we can give them a cheer and a clap after the game but ultimately that's not what they came for – they came for a good game of rugby. If we do that, they'll feel part of it.
'A goal of ours is to make sure that if we have a big crowd on Saturday – which we probably will – we bring them into the game and make it feel almost like a 50/50 game that could be anywhere in the world.
'But I still think it's down to what we put out on the pitch, that's how you get the crowd in behind you.
'It would be a good story and a good legacy to have a winning series. We haven't delved too much into the wider picture.
'We did at the start when we were trying to frame the mindset, but this week has been all about Saturday.
'There's going to be no holding anything back, or waiting for the next two Tests. It's all about Saturday.
'We're in a good spot. The lads are hungry, and we're expecting the Wallabies to be hungry. There will be fireworks on Saturday.'
The Lions ruffled feathers in the wake of their 48-0 victory over Saturday's AUNZ Invitational XV when flanker Henry Pollock revealed their intention to whitewash Australia 3-0 and become the best team to have represented the elite of British and Irish rugby.
Captain Maro Itoje then doubled down on the desire to put the Wallabies to the sword – and Sheehan believes there is no reason why they should not aim high.
'I don't think that's anything too crazy. It's a massive goal of ours to make sure we reach our potential,' he said.
'If we do reach our potential we have the possibility to be one of the best teams. I think they're fair comments.'
Farrell names his team on Thursday with Tom Curry expected to be given the nod in the ferociously competitive openside position ahead of Jac Morgan and Josh van der Flier.
Tadhg Beirne appears to be winning his battle with Ollie Chessum at blindside flanker, while Sione Tuipulotu has now edged ahead of Bundee Aki in the race to start at inside centre.
With Blair Kinghorn losing his battle with a knee injury, Hugo Keenan is favourite to be picked at full-back with Marcus Smith potentially supplying cover from the bench.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
7 minutes ago
- Metro
Hamilton goes the extra mile in push to shake up Ferrari
This weekend's Belgian Grand Prix will give us the first glimpse of major management changes that have taken place in the last two weeks. Christian Horner will not be there, having been axed by Red Bull's Austrian HQ in some sort of power struggle. In his place, on the Red Bull Racing pitwall's primo position, is Laurent Mekies, who has been promoted from being team principal of the Racing Bulls to top dog at the senior squad. Racing Bull's new boss has also been promoted from within – Alan Permane, a British F1 engineer with 36 years' experience who previously helped Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso to world titles. Spa-Francorchamps is a circuit which challenges the cars, drivers and people's wardrobe choices in equal measure, thanks to its swooping high-speed terrain and bafflingly unpredictable weather. It's a test of aerodynamics and Racing Bulls have brought upgrades they hope will help them cut through the wind. Aston Martin, too, are bringing their biggest upgrade yet. With Nico Hulkenberg's amazing Silverstone podium, Sauber have scaled almost all of the midfield competition. Williams are winning that fight with 59 points but then it's the Swiss scuderia (41), followed by Racing Bulls and Aston (tied on 36), Haas (29), and the struggling equipe Alpine (19). Ferrari are best of the rest compared to the mighty McLaren but there is no doubt Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc hoped to be closer to the front. On the face of it, Spa's characteristics are perfect for the McLaren but Hamilton and Leclerc have strong form here, with theBritish driver last triumphing in 2024 and his team-mate taking his debut victory in 2019. Ferrari will try out a new suspension package but Hamilton doesn't expect it to make much difference this weekend, although it may prove beneficial at other tracks. Overall, he has not been impressed with the regularity of upgrades and is pushing extremely hard behind the scenes to get the team working in a new direction. 'We had an upgraded floor in Bahrain and we didn't get another upgrade until Austria. Pace-wise, we haven't had what I thought we would have. Other teams bring small pieces every single weekend,' said Hamilton. Over the last fortnight he has spent four days in the Maranello factory, sitting down with team principal Fred Vasseur, CEO Benedetto Vigna and chairman John Elkann, as well as each technical head of department, to address what he needs to get back on the top step of the podium. Hamilton revealed he had been submitting his own technical reports, and tested the 2026 car on the simulator last week for the first time. 'It's a big, big push. I've held lots of meetings, talking about the engine for next year, suspension for next year, things I want,' added the 40-year-old. 'After the first few races I submitted a full document to the team. Over this break I did another two documents, so I've gone in to address those. One was about structural adjustments we need to make to get better, and the other was about the issues I have with this current car. There are some things you do want to take on to next year's car, and some you don't. 'The reason for it is I see a huge amount of potential within this team. The passion – nothing comes close. It's a huge organisation with a lot of moving parts, but the parts are not firing on all cylinders like they need to be. That's ultimately why the team hasn't had the success I feel it deserves. 'I'm here to win. It's crunch time for me and I truly believe in the potential of this team, I believe they can win multiple championships. That's my sole goal. 'I feel it's my job to challenge every area and challenge everybody in the team, especially the guys at the top who are making the decisions. If you look at the team in the last 20 years, they've had amazing drivers and yet they didn't win a title with Ferrari. More Trending 'I refuse for that to be the case with me. I'm going the extra mile. I'm fortunate to have had experiences in two other great teams. For sure things are going to be different, it's a different culture, but if you take the same path all the time you're going to get the same result.' It is rumoured Vasseur won't have his contract renewed at the end of this year. Does that leave the door open for Horner? Well, he doesn't speak Italian and though Ferrari may offer to pay him handsomely, they won't offer him equity, which is what he really wants. I also doubt Hamilton would be happy working with him, not least because Horner has been so combative on Max Verstappen's behalf in the past. Three more likely options for Horner are if Toyota buy Haas, Cadillac decide to push current principal Graeme Lowdon out of the way or Alpine are taken over by a rumoured consortium which he may be invited to join. That last one feels the most likely, and I believe Bernie Ecclestone is pulling the strings. Watch this space. MORE: The Metro daily cartoon by Guy Venables MORE: Euro 2025 final: England have done it the hard way but I never lost faith and know they can beat Spain MORE: Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies aged 71 'after suffering cardiac arrest'
BBC News
8 minutes ago
- BBC News
Heaney will retire if Stoke City fight is not made
Former British middleweight champion Nathan Heaney says his upcoming fight will be his last if he cannot secure a future bout at Stoke City's bet365 34-year-old takes on Grant Dennis at the King's Hall in Stoke on Saturday in a 'must win' fight and the first in his home city for five has been a long-held dream for 'The Hitman' to finish his career at the home of his favourite football team and he says even if he beats Dennis it might be the last time he steps into a ring."I've always envisioned retiring from boxing on my terms. I never envisioned retiring after a loss," he told BBC Radio Stoke."So, for me, I would want to win and then have the option to retire on my terms." Heaney is promoted by Frank Warren and knows Saturday's show is another chance to prove his popularity in his own backyard is a strong as ever."It sold out immediately - I could've sold it four times over," Heaney said."So win and it will remind Frank Warren why he signed me all those years ago"The only fight I will have after Saturday is a fight at Stoke City in a year's time. No fight in between."I get why they would want you to fight in between - to stay relevant - but I've explained that doesn't matter. It would be the biggest sporting event our city's ever seen outside of football."Saturday is my last ever fight if I can't get the stadium."Heaney, who has won 18 of his 21 fights, says it is "strange" to be talking about retirement but knows his hand will be forced if a date at the home of the Potters cannot be finalised."Make no mistake, the plan is to win on Saturday and to have that final push to give the city what it deserves," he said."We've filled up every area we've ever been to for the last five years, it's outrageous."I deserve it. I love fighting for Frank so, best case scenario, we fight next year at the ground. "Worst case, I win and say 'thank you' and go out into the King's Hall and take one final bout." 'Make it an absolute bear pit' Heaney comes into Saturday's showdown with Dennis off the back of two defeats - a seventh-round stoppage against Sofiane Khati in February followed losing his British title to Brad Pauls just over a year young daughter will be among the sell-out crowd on Saturday which makes Heaney feel "like I've got to win"."I can't lose in front of my daughter. But I want her to feel that atmosphere," he said.A key part of that will be his trademark ring walk to the sound of the Tom Jones' classic wants the fans to savour the atmosphere as much as possible."It will mean everything," he said."Enjoy it like it's the last night. Sing it like it's the last Delilah. Make it an absolute bear pit. Make it intimidating and like nothing he's [Dennis] experienced before."And hopefully I will do the rest."
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Six clubs for Alexander Isak including Liverpool, Arsenal and even Man Utd after star tells Newcastle he wants to leave
Scroll down to see every club that could swoop for the wantaway star SAK IT OFF Six clubs for Alexander Isak including Liverpool, Arsenal and even Man Utd after star tells Newcastle he wants to leave Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALEXANDER ISAK isn't short of suitors after his sensational campaign last season. Isak, 25, is keen to leave Newcastle United this summer after turning down the prospect of a £300,000-per-week extension on Tyneside. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle United Credit: Getty 8 The Swedish bagsman has opted to steer clear of Newcastle's pre-season tour amid the speculation, something which the Magpies insist is due to a 'minor thigh injury'. Newcastle have been adamant that their star man is NOT for sale, but that hasn't stopped clubs from sniffing around the wantaway striker anyway. Liverpool already registered their interest in putting up British-record numbers to sign him earlier in the window and are thought to still be interested despite signing Hugo Ekitike. While Arsenal are amongst the clubs who have been known to admire Isak for some time. Here SunSport breaks down six possible new clubs for Isak, who is valued at over £150MILLION by Newcastle... LIVERPOOL Liverpool seem the likeliest home for Isak if he is to be sold by Newcastle. Despite already splashing nearly £300MILLION on new arrivals this summer - including £79m striker Ekitike - Liverpool are still keen on signing Isak. The Anfield outfit had a £120m approach for the former Borussia Dortmund man knocked back earlier in the window. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS SunSport understand that the signing of Ekitike doesn't end their pursuit of Isak. While they could easily raise funds for their transfer war chest with the sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. 8 Liverpool have already signed Hugo Ekitike this summer Credit: Reuters Newcastle contract blunder could cost them Isak ARSENAL Mikel Arteta is well-known to be a huge fan of Isak and the Swede was the Gunners' dream target for a striker this summer. However, Arsenal have since turned their attention to Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres after being told in no uncertain terms that Isak is not for sale. Arsenal are now on the brink of completing that deal for a fee of around £54.8m with £8.6m worth of add-ons. The Emirates outfit are well-known to like to spend within their means and steer well clear of risking FFP breaches, meaning adding another £150m to their summer spending seems unlikely. The Arsenal ownership will have to weigh up if it's more important to push the boat out in pursuit of finally ending their streak of second-placed finishes, or if they should stick to their business plan. Alternatively, they could listen to the slew of fans that are calling for them to cancel Gyokeres' incoming medical and go all-in on Isak, although that might not be a great look. 8 Arsenal have opted to sign Viktor Gyokeres Credit: Getty CHELSEA If there's one team that doesn't seem to care about FFP, it's Chelsea. The Blues have come up with creative accounting in recent years to allow them to have leeway when it comes to spending, with reports suggesting they still have room for another £100m of spending this summer. The Independent claim that Chelsea are monitoring Isak's situation, but would have to shift from their current targets - having been linked to Xavi Simon and Jorrel Hato this week. While Enzo Maresca has already added two new striker's to his squad this summer in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. Nicolas Jackson is thought to be on his way out of the club too and if Chelsea can get the rumoured £80m they want for the 24-year-old then Maresca will have even more money to throw in Isak's direction. 8 Joao Pedro has settled in well already at Chelsea Credit: Alamy MANCHESTER UNITED Ruben Amorim is hoping to add a striker to his squad before the start of the new campaign. Isak would be a dream addition for United up front, having missed out on their other targets in Gyokeres and Ekitike. However there are two huge issues that would stand in the way of a potential move to Old Trafford. Firstly, Amorim is already stretching the club's purse strings this summer with little in the way of a budget for the Red Devils. However, that could change if they are able to shift on deadwood like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho for a sizeable chunk of cash. United's second issue would be their lack of European football. Not only would Isak be giving up Champions League nights by leaving Newcastle for Man Utd, but throwing away European competition altogether next term. 8 Ruben Amorim has little budget to play with at Man Utd Credit: Alamy REAL MADRID If it's European football and a top side that Isak is after, look no further than Real Madrid. Isak could join Madrid's team of Galacticos to seal what is a dream move for most professional players. The La Liga club are still operating without an out-and-out striker in their front three as they use Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior down the middle. While Mbappe has also just changed his shirt number to No.10 after Luka Modric's exit from the Bernabeu, leaving the No.9 shirt available for an incoming striker. Of course, Madrid have recently pivoted from their big-money signing model to opt for a more frugal approach of signing players on the expiration of their deals. They did so with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mbappe but wouldn't be able to skimp on signing Isak, who still has three years left on his current terms. 8 Isak could join Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior in Real Madrid's front line Credit: Reuters AL HILAL Reports have claimed that clubs in Saudi Arabia are monitoring Isak's situation, and Al-Hilal have been amongst those discussed. You'd imagine the £150m would be no problem for the Saudi dealmakers, who have already lodged bids in excess of £250MILLION in the past. However, a switch to the Middle East could raise some eyebrows given that Al-Hilal are owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) - the same ownership as Newcastle. Spending £150m on Isak would effectively be like PIF's head honchos moving a wedge of cash from their left pocket to their right. However it remains to be seen if Isak would want to head to Saudi Arabia in the prime of his career, stepping away from European football and the Premier League. Despite its growing status in the game, the Saudi Pro League is still seen by most as a step down from Europe's top leagues.
