British and Ireland’s Lions coach Andy Farrell has said he is not overconfident on his part despite his position as a favorite to win an upcoming Test series with Australia.
Farrell was selected to his team in his first Test in Brisbane on Saturday. Cione Twiprotou and Who Jones begin in the middle, with the hotly contested rear row consisting of Tadog Bailun, Jack Conan and Tom Curry.
There’s no room on the side for British stars Owen Farrell and Henry Pollock.
Pollock said the 3-0 series sweep was “undetectedly on the table” for the Lions, but Farrell insisted there was no risk of excessive confidence in the team leading up to the series.
“There’s absolutely no overconfidence. Within our group, we’re doing our plans when we’re important, gives us inner confidence within our group,” Farrell said.
“We are aware of what it is and what it means (they are lions and how privileged we are. But it does not interfere with how we prepare to ensure that we become the best version of ourselves.”
The Farrell star has a scattered team and an inconsistent form run from Australia, with the Lion as his pre-series favorite.
– “The Best in the World”: The Lions are highly rated, but the Wallabies are not excluded
– The Lions’ First Test vs. Australia: Where to watch, kickoff time
– Lion Tour Australia’s equipment and results
When asked if he wanted him to accept the tag on his side, Farrell said, “Why don’t you? You’re asked such a question, but internally you build your beliefs, your confidence as a team, and it only goes on both sides.
“When I spoke to Gordon Talis (Australian rugby league legend), he said everyone was talking about Queensland being the weak.
“He said: ‘We’ve never seen it that way,’ and Australia is exactly the same. It’s about your preparation and how you do what really matters. ”