Andy Farrell's career has been about trusting his instincts – from his playing days across two codes to his time in the coaches' box.
If there was one guarantee from the uncertainties of this Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2025, it was that the head coach was going to do it his way, no matter the external noise or crushing pressure.
There are always more questions than answers for the man who makes the final decision on selection, and Farrell is not the sort to seek vindication.
If sport is about marginal gains, then being a Lions head coach is about marginal calls – and Farrell's backing of Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry as his flankers certainly paid off, the two making a strong claim for being the best players at Suncorp Stadium in the 27–19 win.
And if there was a moment he 'knew', it came early: Curry clattering into James Slipper – the one surviving Wallaby from the 2013 tour in the first Test team – with a tackle that made you wince just seconds into the match.
“I just thought that Tom and Tadhg Beirne, those players, as a group, we know what they’re about,” said Sione Tuipulotu, who scored the first try in Brisbane.
“In big games, they perform when it counts. I thought Tom was amazing; he’s a joy to play with. I always look at him, and he always looks so sore when he’s running around, he always looks in pain, but he just keeps going. Testament to him.
"The same with Tadhg Beirne, they’re two warriors of the game and they were a big reason why we won.”
However, there is no time to be too self-congratulatory; the circus rolls on. A win in Brisbane was a case of job done rather than mission accomplished.
Farrell was Warren Gatland's assistant 12 years ago when the Lions won in Queensland but lost a few days later in Melbourne, levelling the series.
That was in front of 56,771 at Marvel Stadium, not double that down the Yarra at the iconic MCG, a six-figure attendance of Aussies itching for revenge changing the narrative of this second match.
"We roll onto the second game knowing full well what happened in 2013," said Farrell.
"When an Australia 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.
"When you give a few penalties away, or you are under warnings, or there is a loose offload or carry, that pressures you a bit, and we started losing a few collisions. I believe that is a fantastic place to be because there is so much more in us."
There were some injury concerns after the win in Brisbane. Curry came off in the 57th minute holding his wrist, a historical issue, but gave short shrift to the idea it will trouble him for Melbourne.
“I don’t know what world-class is, it’s such a cliche thing," said Curry. "The thing is to win, and I don’t really care what label you put on it. I gave everything, and that’s all I ask for from myself."
Asked if he had more to give, a one-word answer did the job: "Loads," he added.
The bigger concern might be Joe McCarthy, who was everywhere during an all-action first half, with nine tackles and five carries, but hobbled off with a heel injury.
“It’s a plantar fascia,” added Farrell. “It was niggling away at him, and hopefully we got him off in time.”
However, concerns over McCarthy's fitness mean Scottish second-row Gregor Brown has been drafted in ahead of Tuesday's match with the First Nations & Pasifika XV.
