
Lions hooker Dan Sheehan insists all eyes are on series whitewash over Australia
If they triumph at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Saturday, they will become the first Lions side in almost a century to win every Test.
A dramatic 29-26 victory in Melbourne has placed Andy Farrell's men on the brink of greatness, but Sheehan admits the review of the second Test was 'not pretty watching for a lot of it'.
'It would be disappointing if we didn't show up on Saturday,' the Ireland hooker said.
'It would be different if the series was in the balance, but we've always been pretty clear on our goals – to go unbeaten overseas and win the series 3-0. So we just need to stick to what we said.
'There are a lot of people who have put a lot of effort into travelling out for this game and a lot of our families will be here as well, so there's plenty of motivation. And I can only imagine what the Australians are feeling now as well.
'We are searching for an 80-minute performance this weekend. The people and the talent we have are crazy. We just need to get them all working.
'There's also an individual onus on how you show up to a game – myself included because there are a few moments in the second Test when you're wondering what you were doing. We can be a lot better, definitely in that first half.
'But that's part of rugby. It's such an imperfect game that you've got to get over those moments pretty quick. And you get another chance on Saturday, hopefully.'
The British and Irish Lions players celebrate their series victory over Australia (David Davies/PA)
Farrell names his team on Thursday and must decide to what extent fresh legs are needed following two bruising Tests against the Wallabies, but the indications from the management are that the strongest possible XV will be fielded.
That rules out rotation for anything other than those players who are running on empty, which could include flankers Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne after their lung-busting shifts in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Second row Joe McCarthy, centre Sione Tuipulotu and wing Mack Hansen all come into contention after recovering the injuries that forced them to miss the second Test.
If he has fully proved his fitness by Thursday, Hansen has an especially strong chance of being involved given wings James Lowe and Tommy Freeman have yet to impress in the series. Blair Kinghorn is also an option to start.
Sheehan dived over for the Lions' first try in the second Test against Australia (David Davies/PA)
Sheehan's excellent form will see him continue at hooker and the 26-year-old will continue to find novel ways to unlock defences after his 'superman' try from close range during the second Test.
'I took the first free-kick and got absolutely melted trying to go low. Then for the second one I just thought 'if I have a dive here…',' he said.
'I didn't know if they had anyone in the back. It was just a throw and hope and I slipped through. I can see all the controversy about it, but I did know that you can dive in the air if you score.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Times
an hour ago
- Times
David Warner: Joe Root will have nightmares about Josh Hazlewood
David Warner has stoked the fire before this winter's Ashes series by claiming that Joe Root will have nightmares about facing Josh Hazlewood in Australia — and warning that Harry Brook needs to prepare for a barrage of bouncers. Root and Brook are the two top-ranked Test batsmen in the world after playing starring roles in England's thrilling 2-2 Test series draw with India, which concluded on Monday. Their next Test match engagement is the Ashes opener in Perth, which begins on November 21. Australia are heading towards the series in limbo, with plenty of question marks over their batting line-up — particularly at the top of the order after Warner retired from Test cricket last year — but the 38-year-old has warned England's star batsmen that they are in for a serious examination at the hands of the home side's bowling attack.


Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Welsh players who could be on the 2029 Lions tour including rising star who has real X-factor
Welsh players who could be on the 2029 Lions tour including rising star who has real X-factor There were only two Welsh players on the 2025 Lions tour Louis Rees-Zammit won't be short of suitors after his return to rugby (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) In the aftermath of the British & Irish Lions' defeat in the third Test against Australia last weekend, chairman Ieuan Evans was asked about the lack of Welsh representation on tour. "That needs to drive players to say 'OK, I want a piece of the action. I want to be playing in four years' time in New Zealand," said the former Wales and Lions wing. That Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams were the only two Welshmen on this summer's tour should be a cause of embarrassment for the Welsh Rugby Union. The next Lions tour to New Zealand is four years away and a significant amount can change in such a period of time. But, as it stands, who would be the leading contenders from Wales and are there any players who have not yet broken through that are capable of reaching the heights? Jac Morgan Let's get the obvious one out of the way to begin with. The Wales star was superb in Australia, with his controversial clearout on Wallabies openside Carlo Tizzano at the death in Melbourne playing a pivotal role in the Lions snatching victory in the second Test. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below Morgan will be 29 by the time the Lions get set to face the All Blacks so, injury permitting, he should be on that plane in four years' time. Louis Rees-Zammit The 24-year-old is heading back to rugby union after an 18-month spell in the NFL and you can bet your bottom dollar on the Welsh speedster making an instant impact in the game in which he made his name. Rees-Zammit should be applauded for trying his hand at American football but one significant consequence was the fact he missed out on this summer's Lions tour having been involved in 2021. Tommy Freeman, James Lowe and Blair Kinghorn are all fine players but none of them possess the electric speed and finishing ability of Rees-Zammit. As of yet, the Welshman has not announced what club he will be signing for but according to reports he is keen to sign up to rugby's new rebel competition R360. But Rees-Zammit will undoubtedly break back into the Wales side and should be a strong contender to tour in 2029. Dewi Lake The 26-year-old hooker was perhaps a bit unlucky not to get called up to the recent tour after England's Luke Cowan-Dickie suffered an injury. Lake was spoken of as a serious contender in the two years leading up to the tour, but an injury during the Six Nations, along with Matt Sherratt opting to select Elliot Dee to start, probably put paid to his hopes. But the Ospreys star is more than capable of making an impact at that level with his powerful carrying game, set-piece prowess along with his dynamism standing out. Lake will be 30 in 2029 and the Lions will no doubt be a goal of his over the next four years. Morgan Morse Morse is still only 20 and hasn't even established himself as first choice for the Ospreys yet - but this guy is a serious talent. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Ask anyone working in Welsh rugby's pathways or within the professional game who the biggest prospect in Wales is and it would be a big surprise if they did not go for Morse. The rising Ospreys star can play across the entire backrow and is pure X-factor. Morse has a lovely blend of athleticism and raw physicality while he is also an explosive carrier who is equally as comfortable in the tight as the wide channels. It is a matter of when not if he makes his mark with Wales and Morse certainly has the potential to become a future Lion. Dafydd Jenkins The 22-year-old has had a rough time of it for Wales over the past couple of years but despite the losing run he has been one of the better players. Jenkins is highly regarded within rugby circles and certainly has the potential to become a Lion in the future. The Exeter Chiefs lock is a physical specimen who gets through a huge amount of the unseen dirty work which provides the platform for others to claim the glory. Article continues below He is also a natural leader of men having captained Wales throughout a Six Nations campaign at the age of 20. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. In four years time the likes of Maro Itoje, Joe McCarthy and James Ryan could still be around while the likes of Irish second-row Cormac Izuchukwu and England U20s lock Junior Kpoku, among others, could also be contenders by then. But Jenkins certainly has the ability to be in the mix depending on the state of Welsh rugby at the time.


Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Evidence Man Utd's £74m Benjamin Sesko deal isn't a total gamble as Jude Bellingham beaten
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, and one of the striker's statistics that beats out Jude Bellingham may reassure fans that the move is no gamble Incoming Manchester United recruit Benjamin Sesko is the top scorer under the age of 23 in Europe's five biggest leagues over the past two seasons. Ruben Amorim appears to be getting a new No. 9 in the form of RB Leipzig star Sesko, who is the subject of a £65.3million bid from the Red Devils, which could rise to nearly £74m if certain add-ons are achieved. Premier League rivals Newcastle have also shown interest in the striker and have put forward a more lucrative proposal than United's, but the 22-year-old's preference is a move to Old Trafford. Sesko is currently training separately from his Leipzig colleagues, according to a statement released by his club, and while some have expressed doubts about his abilities and hefty price tag, his goal-scoring statistics speak for themselves. Over the last two seasons, no player under the age of 23 has scored more goals than Sesko in Europe's top five leagues, as he's netted 39 in just 87 matches, reports the Manchester Evening News. This puts him one goal ahead of Real Madrid and England sensation Jude Bellingham, and five goals ahead of Florian Wirtz, whose summer transfer to Liverpool could set a British record if certain add-ons are met. In fourth place on the list is Bayern Munich phenom Jamal Musiala, who has racked up 33 goals during this period, followed by PSG's Bradley Barcola and German ace Maximilian Beier on 26. Sesko's impressive goal-scoring record, outperforming some of Europe's top young talents, will be a welcome sound to Amorim's ears. It suggests that the 22-year-old won't be overwhelmed when he arrives in Manchester, and United are fully committed to Sesko, having already agreed personal terms with him. Current Red Devil Rasmus Hojlund, who also scored 26 goals during this period, underscores the gap between him and Sesko. Despite not being entirely goal-shy since his £72m move to Old Trafford in 2023, the Dane has struggled to meet high expectations. Now, it seems likely that Sesko will join United, and Hojlund is reportedly prepared for the possibility of being pushed out if the Slovenian signs. Just two seasons after his £72m transfer, Hojlund could be available for as little as £30m, less than half of what was originally paid for him. However, during United's pre-season tour of the US, Hojlund expressed optimism about his future, stating: "I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens. "I'm still very young. I think people forget that sometimes. I'm only 22. Obviously, not every striker is scoring 100 goals at the age of 22 (like Erling Haaland). But I've learned a lot, I think you can see in my game. "I'm starting to develop and become even better in the basics. Now it's just about for me to sharpen myself and I've done very well in the pre-season so far. Just focusing on continuing that. "Competition is fine with me. It sharpens me. I'm more than ready. I'm feeling sharp, so I'm welcoming everything that comes. I think it's good with competition and it only sharpens the team."