Beirne backs Farrell to boost Lions after controversial call-up
Owen Farrell's arrival on tour will lift the whole British and Irish Lions squad, says flanker Tadhg Beirne.Farrell, 33, has been called up to replace the injured Elliot Daly, but lacks form and match fitness after an injury-interrupted season at French side Racing 92.The decision by head coach Andy Farrell, Owen's father, to overlook the likes of Scotland's Tom Jordan and Darcy Graham, has attracted criticism.But Beirne, who will captain the Lions in their match against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday, says Farrell's leadership and experience of three previous tours will strengthen the tourists ahead of the Test series against Australia."He's only going to bring some serious quality to the squad, so we're looking forward to inviting him in here and getting to hang out with him," said Beirne."Any type of leadership is only going to enhance the squad. Playing with him four years ago, I've seen all the leadership qualities that he brings, the quality of his talent as well. It's going to do nothing but boost the squad, for sure."Daly, along with captain Maro Itoje and prop Tadhg Furlong, was one of three players in the initial squad to have played on two previous tours.
He is the second player to leave the tour injured after Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams pulled a hamstring while diving in to score a try in the win over Queensland Reds.Beirne said that England back Daly had signed off in style."Gutted to see him go," said Beirne."We knew because he came in on Wednesday evening and showed everyone the x-ray and we knew his tour was over at that point."He's been such an invaluable player for the Lions. Elliot actually got to announce the team which was a very cool moment. Something that probably hadn't been done before. "He did it in typical Elliot fashion. He brought a bit of craic to it as well. It was a nice way to see him off."Scotland centre Huw Jones is the only player in the line-up to face the Waratahs to have also started the win over the Reds three days before."That is the ultimate goal for everyone here – to play in those Tests and the only way to do that is to play well in all these games leading up to it," added Beirne."If you are not producing in these games you are not giving yourself a fighting chance. Everyone has to put their best foot forward."The Lions will have only two more tour games – against the Brumbies and an invitational Australian and New Zealand XV on 9 and 12 July respectively – before their first Test against the Wallabies on 19 July.
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BBC News
13 minutes ago
- BBC News
Further despair as Wales feel the heat in Japan
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"We take nothing away from Japan for the way they played and coming out on top, but we had moments to win that game and put it to bed." Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt says the whole squad had been affected."You could see the feelings not just from the squad but the whole staff as well," said Sherratt."They are a very passionate group. We had a lead going into half-time so to lose the game at the end is very disappointing." Wales slump to new low The defeat means Wales have again slumped to a new all-time low as they are still searching for a first Test win in 21 months. 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They're a proud rugby nation and produce tough, good players." Second success for Jones and Japan Jones, who masterminded a second success against Wales for Japan following the win in 2013, praised his side's resilience after a slow start."For a young team's perspective, that's a very good win," said Jones"In the first-half, we were getting beaten in territory and possession. "We had a lot of nerves and frequently gave the ball back early in the phase count. "As a result, we were being beaten fair and square. But I sensed at half-time the players knew what to do."Jones praised the leadership of his captain Michael Leitch."With Mike's leadership in the second half, I thought they played a good 40 minutes of rugby and were really tough," said Jones."At times, we were able to break the Wales defence and our set-piece was absolutely outstanding. "I can't remember the last time I saw a front-row play 80 minutes in a Test match, especially in difficult conditions."
The Guardian
40 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Matildas stunned by physical Panama in first defeat of Joe Montemurro era
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BBC News
43 minutes ago
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Pollock out as British and Irish Lions face Waratahs in Sydney
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