Tadhg Beirne is relishing the opportunity to put his name in the Test frame as he prepares to lead out The British & Irish Lions against an AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide.
Beirne will captain the side for the second time on Tour, having also done so against NSW Waratahs last weekend, and joins his compatriot James Ryan in the second row.
The Munster man was due to start in the same role in Sydney but moved to blindside flanker on the eve of kick-off when Henry Pollock was withdrawn through injury.
He admits his versatility is an asset but is now keen to put his best foot forward in a more familiar position.
“I’m lucky enough to be able to play more than one position and I’m very happy to play either one - if I’m on the field, that’s the main thing,” he said.
“No.6 is something I probably haven’t played that much over the last couple of years and you have to do your best to get up to speed as much as you can.
“It’s only natural for me to feel a bit more comfortable at second row because it’s where I’ve played all my rugby with Munster, so I’m looking forward to being back in the row again.
“It’s a huge opportunity, every game is an opportunity. The way the lads went on Wednesday and this being the last game before the Tests, it’s an opportunity of us to put a performance in as a squad and individuals.
“It’s our last opportunity before the first Test to put our hands up and make Andy (Farrell)’s decision a lot more difficult come team selection next week.”
Beirne is bidding to make his first Test start for the Lions in the weeks to come, having featured off the bench in the opening two matches against South Africa four years ago.
Being handed the captaincy again is a sign of the faith Farrell has in the forward and Beirne feels his task has been made simpler by those around him.
“There are an incredible amount of leaders in the squad, people aren’t afraid to speak up and say what needs to be said at times,” he said.
“There is not as much of a burden on you, that’s for sure. But it’s a huge honour for me to lead out this team and I am looking forward to it again.”
As with the previous Tour matches, Beirne will have a sizable supporting cast in the crowd this weekend, with this trip becoming something of a family reunion for the 33-year-old from Eadestown.
“My three sisters live in Australia so it has been interesting,” he said.
“We’ve been to Brisbane, where one of them lives on the Gold Coast, one lives in Sydney and one lives in Adelaide, so we’ve gone to all the destinations which is pretty cool. There will be plenty of them here.”
