The Lions coach insists it is not a foregone conclusion the matchday 23 will be the same for next week’s second Test
British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell says he is staying open-minded about his selection for the second Test after the tourists took a 1-0 lead in the series with a 27-19 victory over the Wallabies in Brisbane.
The Lions were far from perfect, but despite two late scores for Australia, the tourists were comfortable winners at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. Their accuracy deserted them far too often, but they had more than enough to get over the line – with Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry, two big selection calls earlier in the week, both having superb games.
The criticism levelled by some at Farrell’s choice of flankers was that they hadn’t shown the sort of form on this tour that other back-rows in the squad had produced in warm-up matches.
“I read all that, it was interesting, wasn’t it?” said Farrell, before going on to say about the pair’s performance: “Immense, absolutely immense.
“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.
“I wouldn’t say they took it to heart, no. 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.
“They’re men of their word and that’s what they delivered.”
Wales captain Jac Morgan, who had shone in the warm-up matches, could now struggle to break into the Test team following Curry’s standout performance.
The Ospreys flanker is likely to feature against the First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday in Melbourne.
However, Farrell didn’t rule out making changes, despite the winning start to the Test series – keeping the door open for those involved at Marvel Stadium early next week to force their way in.
“Not necessarily,” said Farrell when asked if he’d ideally name an unchanged matchday 23 for next week’s second Test at the MCG.
“People are competing so it’s being open-minded enough in regards to that. That’s what everyone deserves.”
Injuries could play their part in next week’s selection decisions.
Ireland lock Joe McCarthy was withdrawn early in the second-half, struggling with plantar fasciitis.
“It was niggling away at him there,” said Farrell. “We got him off. Hopefully we got him off in time.”
Other than that, the Lions appeared to get through relatively unscathed – with Finn Russell taken off with cramp.
And they could be boosted by the return of full-back Blair Kinghorn and centre Garry Ringrose.
“Blair’s doing well,” said Farrell. “Blair’s doing pretty well, so we’ll see.
“Garry’s good. Garry’s going well. Hopefully they carry on that trajectory and could be available for Tuesday.”