Andy Farrell has labelled Saturday's second Test against Australia in Melbourne as “the biggest game of our lives” as the British & Irish Lions aim to secure their first series victory in 12 years. The Lions lead the three-match series 1-0 after a hard-fought win in Brisbane, but Farrell insists there is significant room for improvement.
Speaking after a 24-19 victory over the First Nations & Pasifika XV, Farrell acknowledged the challenge ahead. “If you can’t get up for what’s coming, we’re all in the wrong place. To me, this is the biggest game of our lives, every one of us that’s part of our squad,” he said. The Lions led by 19 points at one stage in the first Test but allowed Australia to claw back to within eight, underscoring the need for a sharper performance.
Injury concerns surround second-row Joe McCarthy, who has not trained fully this week due to a foot injury and appears unlikely to feature. Ollie Chessum is poised to deputise. Marcus Smith, however, passed a head injury assessment and will be available after being withdrawn late in the midweek match. Mack Hansen remains a doubt with a foot injury, with Farrell noting he is “progressing” but may not be ready in time.
Owen Farrell impressed in the midweek fixture, including a deft chip to set up Jamie Osborne’s opening try, and has staked a claim for a bench spot in the second Test. On his own performance, the former England captain said: “I loved that it was difficult, that it was hard tonight. We got some joy early on but it was a tough match.”
Farrell will name his team on Thursday after a selection meeting, weighing up whether to stick with the same side or freshen things up. With over 90,000 fans expected at the MCG, he said: “It’s whatever’s best for the team that we think that we need on a game like that. It should be challenging.”
