Kinghorn reassures: Knee injury is not serious, Lions beat Brumbies

The British & Irish Lions coach, Andy Farrell, has confirmed that the knee injury suffered by fullback Blair Kinghorn during the victory over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday does not appear to be serious. The Lions secured a 36-24 victory over a Brumbies team with some significant absences, as several of their key players were at the Australian training camp. Kinghorn had to leave the field at the beginning of the first half and spent the rest of the match applying ice to his left knee. Kinghorn’s possible absence could pose problems for Farrell ahead of the first test against the Wallabies on July 19, especially considering that he no longer has the versatile Elliot Daly for the three-match series.

No

Andy Farrell

When asked after the match if he feared the worst for Kinghorn, Farrell responded with a resounding “No”. The coach added that the fullback was in good spirits and singing in bed while the medical staff evaluated him. “He received a blow to the knee. He continued playing for a while, but there was no need to keep him on the field… he’s in good spirits.”

Marcus Smith, who came onto the field in place of Kinghorn, had a good performance and scored one of the Lions’ five tries.

He had very good touches. He is dangerous with the ball in hand. They are good learnings for him.

Andy Farrell

Farrell lined up a team very similar to the one expected for the first match against the Wallabies, with second row Maro Itoje as captain and fly-half Finn Russell directing the game. The Lions, although they started the match by conceding a try in the first few minutes, managed to prevail and add their fourth consecutive victory on their Australian tour, after defeating Western Force, Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs.

Our game control was quite good tonight, which allowed us to keep the pressure in the right end of the field. So it’s a good step forward.

Andy Farrell

We are in a good moment… we are performing well in certain aspects of the game, stumbling, etc., but we need to improve in all areas.

Andy Farrell

It’s a good feeling. We know we are not the final product, we know we have to improve, we know we have to progress. But I think that’s a very good position for us.

Maro Itoje