'Nervous' Lions await Andy Farrell's team selection
Six matches into their tour, all of them producing wins except the Dublin curtain-raiser against Argentina, and the Lions management have finalised selection for Saturday's series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
The players will be told who has made the matchday 23 at a meeting on Wednesday and Conan believes the performances delivered over the last four weeks have not made selection easy.
"Everyone will be a bit nervous, but everyone has gone incredibly well, especially in the back row," said Conan, who is expected to be named at number eight when the team is officially announced on Thursday.
"It's tough for the coaches, I'm sure, and hopefully we've given them plenty of headaches over the last while. No matter who's been out there, they've taken their opportunity really well.
"It's about those lads who get to run out at the weekend to do right by the lads who aren't playing.
"It's going to be unbelievably special to play the first Test so hopefully everyone can make the most of it."
No area of the team has been more competitive than the back row, with Conan the closest thing to a certainty given he is the only specialist number eight in the 44-man squad in Australia.
England duo Ollie Chessum and Tom Curry just hold the edge in the race to be picked as flankers, but Farrell is blessed with options in both positions.
"There's huge amounts of class and talent in the back row. It's been great to get to know the lads, to learn off them, to see how they do things and to push each other on as well," Conan said.
"That level of talent pushes everyone on to be your best and I think everyone has been at their best. No one can say they've been poor over the last few weeks.
"Especially in the back row, the standard has been unbelievably high, so it's been a joy to play with the lads and get to know with them."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Roger Black and British relay icons finally receive gold medals… 28 YEARS after controversial race tinged with tragedy
BRITAIN'S relay runners have finally received world championship gold medals…28 YEARS after the race took place. Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch, Mark Richardson and reserve Mark Hylton finished second in the men's 4x400 metres relay final behind the United States at the 1997 Worlds in Athens. Advertisement 3 Britain's relay runners have finally been given their gold medals 28 years after the World Championship race took place Credit: PA:Empics Sport 3 Great Britain's men's 4x400m relay team (left to right) Mark Richardson, Jamie Baulch, Roger Black, Iwan Thomas and Mark Hylton got the medals during a special ceremony Credit: PA The quartet ran a time of 2:56.65 while American sprinters Jerome Young, Antonio Pettigrew, Chris Jones and Tyree Washington came home first in 2:56.47 in the Greek capital. Yet a retrospective anti-doping violation by Pettigrew – in 2008 he was banned for two years after admitting he used prohibited substances – meant the Yanks were belatedly booted out of the event. This resulted in the Brits being upgraded to the gold medal position but it has taken almost three decades before they got their hands on the gongs. A special medal ceremony led by World Athletics President London Stadium on Saturday at 1.30pm on a wet afternoon in Stratford. Advertisement READ MORE SPORT And the British national anthem was also played in front of the sell-out crowd. UK Athletics say the presentation 'offers a long-awaited opportunity to celebrate a landmark moment in British athletics and to honour a team who exemplified fairness, resilience and excellence on the global stage'. Pettigrew, who was born in Georgia , was caught up in the BALCO doping scandal and admitted during the trial of former coach Trevor Graham that he had doped. As a result, the US Anti-Doping Agency annulled all of Pettigrew's competitive results after January 1997. Advertisement Most read in Golf 3 The American quartet (left to right) Tyree Washington, Chris Jones, Jerome Young and Antonio Pettigrew were stripped of their gold medal a few years ago Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS He also voluntarily surrendered his 2000 Sydney Olympics 4x400 metres relay gold medal and his 1997 and 1999 world championship relay golds. In August 2010, Pettigrew was found dead in the backseat of his locked car in North Carolina. He was 42 years old. Advertisement 'Freakish athlete' Anthony Elanga shows off insane 100m time ahead of Newcastle transfer An autopsy report said the cause of death was diphenhydramine toxicity – it was ruled that he had committed suicide by overdosing on a drug common to sleeping pills. One of the reasons it has taken so long to happen is that the five guys had not managed to coordinate diaries for an event taking place in the UK after it was all confirmed in 2021. Yet there is a bittersweet feeling among the contingent given that Pettigrew felt compelled to take his own life when his drugs shame went public. Welsh star Baulch, 52, said: 'I've said this to a few people now. If there was an option of giving this gold medal to him, I'd rather him have the gold medal than him taking his life. Advertisement 'His life is far more important to me than me having this gold medal.' Former European 400 metres champion Thomas, 51, said: 'On the one hand it's a real shame it's taken this long. 'On a personal level, it's really beautiful today. My son Teddy, who is six, is here today. I didn't have any children back then. 'My mum and dad are pretty elderly now. They're up in the box. For them to be able to see the moment I should have had with the boys 28 years ago, but in front of a British crowd, it felt really special.' Advertisement You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans,
The 42
an hour ago
- The 42
Lions boss Farrell praises 'big-game players' Beirne and Curry
LIONS HEAD COACH Andy Farrell hailed the impact of 'big-game players' Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry after their performances in his side's 27-19 first Test win over the Wallabies. Farrell had said the flanker positions in his starting XV had been hotly contested, but he backed Beirne at blindside and Curry at openside. The Lions boss was rewarded with outstanding displays by both, who combined superbly with number eight Jack Conan in the Lions' win. 'Immense, absolutely immense,' said Farrell. 'Big-game players who were probably challenged by a good few. I think it told a story. 'Tom Curry put in some really nice shots defensively and Tadhg Beirne got the turnover very early doors and set the tone really and I don't think it stopped there, it carried on the same the whole game. 'Jack Conan's carrying was very much on the front foot, so those three guys I am sure they will be delighted with the way they responded to selection.' Curry and Beirne's places in the Lions team were questioned by some media and supporters, but Farrell doesn't believe they were looking to respond to that discourse. 'I wouldn't say they took it to heart, no,' said Farrell. 'We have conversations of why do you think you're selected and what is it that you're going to bring to the team performance and to a man they're unbelievably honest.' Advertisement Tom Curry celebrates his try. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO Sione Tuipulotu, Curry, and Dan Sheehan scored tries for the Lions, while Finn Russell kicked 12 points off the tee and Marcus Smith added another three late in the game. Farrell said he was thrilled to get off to a successful start in the three-game series. 'It's huge,' said the Lions head coach. 'Obviously, that puts the pressure on for next week and it keeps us in the tour certainly up until the last game, that is guaranteed. 'Absolutely delighted, big occasion, big game, we know what coming to Suncorp means to Australia so they would have been targeting this, so delighted to come away with this victory. 'At the same time, we know what is coming and we know what happened in the second half and how much more there is in us. So we roll onto the second game knowing full well what happened in 2013 when an Australian team becomes desperate – it is difficult to handle so we expect a different game next week. 'But having said that, we expect more of ourselves as well.' Out-half Russell was replaced after suffering cramp during the second half but the only obvious injury concern arising from the Lions' win in Brisbane was second row Joe McCarthy. The Ireland lock was forced off early in the second half and Farrell confirmed post-match that he is suffering from plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot. Joe McCarthy is an injury concern for the Lions. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO 'It was niggling away at him there,' said Farrell. 'We got him off. Hopefully, we got him off in time.' It remains to be seen how McCarthy recovers ahead of next weekend's second Test, but Farrell said Blair Kinghorn and Garry Ringrose are recovering well from the knee and head injuries that kept them out of the first Test. 'Blair's doing well, Blair's doing pretty well, so we'll see,' said Farrell. 'Garry's good, Garry's going well. Hopefully, they carry on that trajectory and could be available for Tuesday.' The Lions will face the First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne on Tuesday in their final midweek game of the tour but the main focus will be that second Test at the MCG on Saturday. Farrell was delighted with his side's winning start, but he wasn't happy with how they failed to finish strongly in Brisbane. 'That shouldn't happen,' he said. 'We talk about that, we talk about being next moment focused at all times and that certainly shouldn't happen. Two wrongs don't make a right. We certainly need to address that as well. Subconsciously, I guess that tends to happen, not that it should.'
The 42
an hour ago
- The 42
Lions start with a bang in Brisbane but Wallabies show signs of life
Australia 19 Lions 27 THE BUILD-UP was epic, with Lions fans marching down Caxton Street, drinking the place dry, then flooding into Suncorp Stadium. The Wallabies supporters brought the volume too, as much in hope as belief. The lights and the music and the fireworks suggested there was drama to come. But then Andy Farrell's Lions turned on the power and pulled clear early on, threatening to leave the Wallabies in the distance. To their credit, Joe Schmidt's men fought hard in the second half and closed the big scoreboard gap but it was too little, too late. The Lions were 10-0 up after just 10 minutes and though they missed a few chances along the way, they were the better team at Suncorp Stadium. In the opening 45 minutes or so, Farrell's side delivered the kind of physical, aggressive, smart performance that they've hinted at producing throughout this tour. They were 12 points in front at the break, then led by 19 early in the second half, which meant the Wallabies would always struggle to recover. Farrell's selection decisions were vindicated, especially flankers Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry, who had belligerent, relentless displays. As blindside Beirne won breakdown poaches and lineout turnovers, Curry smashed everything that moved and came up with some brilliant moments of skill. Curry was among the three Lions try-scorers, with Scottish centre Sione Tuipulotu dotting down the opening try of the series and Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan finishing a classy score in the right corner. Finn Russell directed proceedings impressively from the Lions' number 10 shirt, as well as continuing his excellent form off the kicking tee, while Jamison Gibson-Park helped Farrell's team to largely control the tempo and territory. Sione Tuipulotu celebrates the opening try of the series. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO The Wallabies, meanwhile, didn't offer a huge amount in the first half but showed dogged work rate and a creditable fighting spirit in the second half. They struggled to put good moments on top of good moments, instead oscillating too quickly between good and bad. And they struggled generate consistent momentum in their attack without the hulking, powerful figures of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini. That duo generally dent the opposition defence. Without them, the Wallabies couldn't make headway. Schmidt's side produced a first-half try that seemed to come from nothing, 20-year-old wing Max Jorgensen contesting a Jake Gordon box kick, winning it back in a battle with Hugo Keenan, and streaking away to score. Advertisement And they improved in the second half despite falling well behind, taking advantage of the Lions falling into a lull to come up with a close-range scores from replacement back row Carlo Tizzanno and sub scrum-half Tate McDermott. In contrast to the hosts, the big Lions carriers constantly breached the gainline. Sheehan, Ellis Genge, Curry, and Jack Conan were among their big collision winners but backs like Tuipulotu and Tommy Freeman out their hands up too in front of a crowd of 52,229. At times, it was a brutal demonstration of the Lions' physicality, so Schmidt will need Skelton and Valetini to return from their calf injuries with a big bang in next weekend's second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Tonight, the Aussie supporters probably won't be holding out massive hope of their side levelling the series in Melbourne. The Lions will feel they left a few more scores out there. Lions fans at Suncorp Stadium. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO Farrell will surely have been frustrated with an indisciplined patch of form in the second half when they had gone 24-5 up, as well as the general lull in performance after he used his bench, but the Lions boss will certainly be delighted to go 1-0 up. The only obvious injury worry for the Lions from this opener was second row Joe McCarthy, who was replaced early in the second half and had treatment for what appeared to be an ankle or foot issue on the bench. The good stuff from the Lions was very good. Beirne came up with a breakdown turnover penalty just 25 seconds in, allowing Russell to open the scoring off the tee. Their opening try was a peach as the impressive, energetic Tadhg Furlong swept a pass out the back and Russell offloaded for Sheehan to show good footwork. Genge went close off a Lowe offload but with penalty advantage playing, Russell lifted a beautiful bridge pass over three defenders to send Tuipulotu over. Outside centre Huw Jones missed a chance for the Lions after powerful play from Lowe down the left, with Wallabies wing Jorgensen doing superbly to get back after Lowe fended him and denying Jones a clean finish. The TMO review showed Jones hadn't released after Jorgensen's try-saving tackle so his effort was chalked off. The Lions were enjoying themselves in that opening 30 minutes, Furlong flinging a 15-metre pass off his left side at one stage, but Jorgensen's try against the run of play sharpened their minds again. Dan Sheehan scores for the Lions. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO A big bout of pressure before the break concluded with Curry barrelling over past opposite number Fraser McReight, then the Lions scored almost instantly on the other side of the interval. Curry was key again, snaffling an Aussie overthrow at the lineout before offloading to the freewheeling Jones. He was stopped but the Lions were patient and a few phases later, slick hands from Jones and Curry sent Sheehan into the right corner. From there, the Lions lost their way as they coughed up penalties and the Wallabies showed their grit to manufacture Tizzano's try at the end of an extended period of possession down in the Lions' 22 that included a Joseph Suaalii effort being chalked off. When they surged up the other end and won a penalty, the Lions sensibly kicked three points through replacement out-half Marcus Smith to make it a 15-point margin with five minutes to go. The Wallabies bounced back again with McDermott darting over to score and though the Lions had a chance to finish with another try, Nick Frost picked off their five-metre lineout. The Lions are in front in the series, but will feel there is more to come in Melbourne. Australia scorers: Tries: Max Jorgensen, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott Conversions: Tom Lynagh [0 from 1], Ben Donaldson [2 from 2] Lions scorers: Tries: Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Curry, Dan Sheehan Conversions: Finn Russell [3 from 3] Penalties: Finn Russell [1 from 1], Marcus Smith [1 from 1] AUSTRALIA: Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau (Andrew Kellaway '69), Harry Potter; Tom Lynagh (Ben Donaldson '61), Jake Gordon (Tate McDermott '59); James Slipper (Angus Bell '50), Matt Faessler (Billy Pollard '50), Allan Alaalatoa (Tom Robertson '); Nick Frost, Jeremy Williams (Tom Hooper '59); Nick Champion de Crespigny (Carlo Tizzano '67), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson (captain). LIONS: Hugo Keenan; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (Bundee Aki '58), James Lowe; Finn Russell (Marcus Smith '67), Jamison Gibson-Park (Alex Mitchell '75); Ellis Genge (Andrew Porter '49), Dan Sheehan (Rónan Kelleher '61), Tadhg Furlong (Will Stuart '58); Maro Itoje (captain), Joe McCarthy (Ollie Chessum '44); Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry (Ben Earl '58), Jack Conan. Referee: Ben O'Keeffe [New Zealand].
