Sexton Anticipates a Close Match in the First Lions Test
The British and Irish Lions technical assistant, Johnny Sexton, anticipates a decisive first test on Saturday, with very tight margins. He believes the tourists will need an exceptional performance to beat Australia.
The former Ireland player, who earned his first of six call-ups with the Lions in the opening match of the 2013 tour in Australia, played at Suncorp Stadium, downplayed speculation that gave Andy Farrell’s team as the clear favorite for the match.
We don’t pay too much attention to the bookmakers’ odds or what people say. We focus on tomorrow and delivering a great performance.
Johnny Sexton
Sexton added that the Australian team is a top-level, well-trained rival, and that the Lions will have to show their best version to be successful.
Recalling his debut with the Lions, Sexton highlighted the importance of the occasion and the atmosphere of the match. He mentioned the euphoria after Kurtley Beale’s missed penalty attempt that would have given the Wallabies the victory in 2013, emphasizing the small details that define high-level professional sport.
Sexton, who played in all three test matches in 2013 and in the drawn series in New Zealand four years later, stated that the Lions expect strong opposition from Australia on Saturday.
According to Sexton, the Australians have been focused on their preparation for the past few weeks, including a match against Fiji from which they have learned a lot. He emphasized that, in the end, what matters is the performance on the field.
