British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has opened up on the confidence he has in Tom Curry after his outstanding display in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane.
The head coach faced significant scrutiny for choosing Curry over Wales' Jac Morgan, with many questioning whether the Sale player had shown sufficient form during the tour.
However, Curry's explosive display in the opening Test silenced those critics with an energetic showing that caught the eye throughout the match.
The 2021 Lions tourist demonstrated precisely why Farrell maintained unwavering belief in his abilities, producing crucial defensive interventions that helped secure the victory.
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"We said during the week about big game players and Tom massively fits into that bracket," Farrell explained.
“For those who know him and know Tom’s character, that was always going to happen. You see it time and time again. When it really matters, big game players, that's what they do, they turn up, they trust themselves to be able to perform on the big stage."
The coach noted that such mental fortitude isn't easily acquired, suggesting it develops through experience and self-belief in high-pressure situations.
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Similarly, Tadhg Beirne's inclusion ahead of Ollie Chessum drew scepticism, yet the lock forward repaid his coach's trust with an influential performance.
Farrell's selection philosophy centres on identifying performers who excel under pressure, and both players exemplified this trait perfectly.
The head coach emphasised his belief that elite athletes consistently rise to meet the biggest challenges, particularly those with previous Lions experience.
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|Tom Curry put in a phenomenal display in the first test against the Wallabies
Farrell revealed the conversations held with his selected players before the match, highlighting their remarkable self-awareness about their roles.
"We have conversations about 'why do you think you're selected' and 'what is it that you're going to bring to the team performance' and to a man, they're unbelievably honest. And they delivered," he stated.
The coach specifically praised Curry's defensive contributions, noting: "Tom put in some really nice shots defensively."
He also highlighted Beirne's early impact, adding: "Tadhg set the tone and I don't think it stopped there, it carried on the same the whole game."
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This honest dialogue between the coach and players clearly translated into on-field success, with both forwards fulfilling their promised contributions throughout the match.
The Lions now face a crucial second Test in Melbourne, where victory would secure the series, but Farrell anticipates a fierce response from the Wallabies.
The Australian side had limited preparation with just a single match against Fiji two weeks prior, requiring half the game to find their rhythm.
"They'll be much better because of that, but also because of what it means to them and how proud they are. It'll mean the world to them," Farrell warned.
"We need to make sure we are ready for them to be at their best."
Captain Maro Itoje echoed these concerns, acknowledging the heightened challenge ahead.
"Next week will be a higher intensity game, so the challenge for us is to raise ourselves, raise our game and performance because we know Australia definitely will do that," he said.
The Lions now have this week to prepare before they face the Wallabies again in Melbourne for the second test match.