Andy Farrell insists The British & Irish Lions are ready to take the final step this Saturday and complete a Qatar Airways Lions Men's Test Series clean sweep against Australia.
The touring side head to Sydney on the cusp of history as they look to become the first Lions side in the professional era to go unbeaten whilst on the ground in either Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.
Hugo Keenan’s last-gasp try at The MCG ensured the Lions wrapped up a first series victory since 2013 and also sees those in the fabled red jersey head into the final Test of a series 2-0 up for the first time since 1997.
The importance of victory at the Accor Stadium is not lost on Farrell, who was part of Warren Gatland’s coaching staff the last time the Lions won in New South Wales 12 years ago, which, on that occasion, clinched the series.
“[Winning 3-0] would mean the world to us,” he said. “It’s something we promised ourselves we would chase after and [also to] try our best to represent the group as best we possibly can.
“What goes along with that is representing the jersey and the brand of The British & Irish Lions, so we have a big responsibility this weekend.
“It’s something that we’ve talked about from day one. We put ourselves in a position to be able to put that on the line. That’s why it means so much to us.”
Farrell has been frank when both praising and challenging his team whilst on Tour, highlighting the first half of the First Test and the second half of the Second Test as times where his team really showed what they could do.
However, the 50-year-old revealed it has been what he has seen beyond the performances on the pitch that have stood out.
“[What’s impressed me the most] is how much they care about the Lions dream,” he continued.
“How much it means to them and when you package all that together of what it takes to come together as a top-class outfit, that’s at the heart of it.”
In naming an unchanged front row for the third Test, Farrell has handed Tadhg Furlong his ninth consecutive Test start.
The tighthead prop has been an important pillar of this Lions outfit and Farrell, who is Furlong’s international boss with Ireland, was full of praise for the Leinster man’s achievement.
“It’s amazing,” he added, “It’s been well documented how much he loves playing for the Lions.
“But also, in the sense that over the last year to 18 months, his continuity of his game and his fitness, it just so happens that when this comes around, [it shows] how much it means to him to get himself in the right frame of mind to be able to do what he’s done.
“It isn’t just the performances that have been through the roof. It’s also his manner on a Lions tour as well. I’ve never seen him in such good spirits, so he’s ready to go again.”
Captain Maro Itoje will also feature in his ninth Lions Test on Saturday, of which he has started the last eight since coming off the bench during the First Test with New Zealand in 2017.
And the Lions head coach wasn’t surprised his skipper has also been a central figure for so long, alongside Furlong.
“It’s not nine is it, but it’s quite good,” joked Farrell when asked about both men’s number of starts for the Lions.
“But look at the quality of player they are. Look at the standing that they have with any group. Those two lads epitomise what it takes to be a top-level international player.”
