‘He doesn’t try to be intimidating. He just is’: Lions reveal how Andy Farrell makes the magic happen

Huw Jones explains how coach’s intensity and nurturing of team spirit has the tourists on verge of a 3-0 win in AustraliaSitting in a car-wash with the windows jammed open would be marginally drier than walking the streets of Sydney this week. The forecast rain stayed away for the decisive second Test in Melbourne, but the outlook for the Accor Stadium on Saturday is properly damp. Not that the Lions are overly bothered as they seek to squeeze every last drop of joy out of their tour of Australia. From the moment they met up the mantra of this party has been based on showing the absolute best of themselves in the Test matches and winning this series 3-0. Nothing has changed in that regard, as reflected in Farrell’s largely rinse-and-repeat final-Test selection with the exception of Blair Kinghorn and James Ryan being elevated to the starting XV and a forward-loaded 6-2 bench split. As anyone with knowledge of Farrell’s competitive instincts will be aware, the chances of him easing off the downcast Wallabies at this late juncture were always on the non-existent side of slim. A final flourish is not always easily achieved at the end of a long, punishing season but, in this case, all the most influential Lions are fit and hungry and motivation is not a problem. Aside from enjoying each other’s company the players have also responded well to Farrell’s management style, among the primary reasons why this large tour party has stayed fully united. “He’s been really good at getting everyone closer,” said the Scotland centre Huw Jones, set to become a member of a prestigious Lions club by starting all three Tests. “I don’t really know how he’s done it, but it’s worked. “I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the outside. He’s very calm and relaxed a lot of the time [but] when he’s on he’s pretty intense. When we’re training he’s always on and doesn’t miss a beat. He sees everything and he’s prepared to call you out in the middle of the session if something’s not good enough.“There’s no hiding place, his standards are so high. He’s very clear about what he wants and how he wants you to do it. He’s been brilliant and it’s great to be part of the squad under that leadership.” Jones, who will again partner Bundee Aki in midfield, was also good value on the subject of Farrell’s presence and rugby instincts. “He doesn’t need to try to be intimidating, I think he just is. Some people just have that presence. He’s obviously massive. Without meaning to be he’s just an intimidating person. Not in a bad way but in a good way that commands respect. Continue reading...

Comments

Sport news

Eberechi Eze release clause set to expire today with Arsenal interested in move

Metro

Liverpool's £116m man Florian Wirtz given iconic shirt number made famous by club legends - while fellow summer signings also make their selections

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

Fox Sports NRL personality James Hooper is sensationally SACKED after being charged with drink driving: Was allegedly five times over the limit, smashed into three parked cars

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

Maro Itoje hails 'special' British & Irish Lions team-mates as the captain prepares to rally his troops for one final time in search of a series whitewash in Australia

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

When Partick Thistle signed Pogba: Unfortunately it wasn't world-beater Paul... but the big brother who ended up in jail for trying to extort money from his famous sibling

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

Revealed: What Florian Wirtz told Luis Diaz to convince him to complete £65.5m transfer from Liverpool to Bayern Munich

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: Triple injury boost, Harry Maguire handed new court date and Diogo Dalot opens up about how he has been affected by Diogo Jota's death

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

Anthony Joshua drops hint over new venture with Eddie Hearn after praising his promoter's family for 'conquering' sport

about 4 hours ago

Dailymail

TEST MATCH BREAKFAST: Shubman Gill passes India icon after his side lose 15th toss in a row as Graham Thorpe's headband set to take centre stage

about 4 hours ago

Mets fulfilled trade deadline needs without losing top prospects

Newyork Post

Ruben Amorim 'believes £70m Benjamin Sesko can bring out the best in Rasmus Hojlund' - as Red Devils step up pursuit of RB Leipzig striker

about 6 hours ago

Comments

Sport news

Eberechi Eze release clause set to expire today with Arsenal interested in move

Piastri has 'confidence' in his F1 title shot as he returns to Hungary, where he got his 1st win

Top EU court rules that soccer governing body FIFA’s decisions can be challenged outside Switzerland

It still does sting – Beth Shriever using Paris pain as fuel for world title bid

Liverpool unveil new home shirt after champions switch from Nike to adidas

England suffer major blow after Chris Woakes ruled out against India

Lee Grant feels Man Utd and Ipswich experience has made him ready for management

Dan Evans brands Alejandro Davidovich Fokina ‘pathetic’ over Spaniard’s complaint to ATP

The lightbulb moment behind Georgia Hunter Bell’s newfound potential

Ruben Amorim prefers Ollie Watkins – but Man Utd make Benjamin Sesko No.1 target

Mikal Bridges agrees to a $150 million extension with the Knicks, AP source says

Olympic great Michael Phelps lends swimming expertise to hometown Ravens after players ask for assistance

‘The job isn’t done’ says coach as British and Irish Lions target a whitewash

The unique Lions challenge standing between Andy Farrell and history against Australia

Transfer news live: Liverpool formulate £120m Isak bid, Arsenal’s Eze deadline, Man United’s Sesko plan

Australia vs British & Irish Lions prediction: 3rd Test betting tips & best bets

Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, 12, becomes youngest medallist in World Championships history

Andrew Flintoff praises ‘superhero’ NHS staff who treated him following serious Top Gear crash

Emma Raducanu v Amanda Anisimova: Start time, TV channel and how to watch National Bank Open online

The main talking points as British and Irish Lions target Australia whitewash

British Athletics Championships 2025: Schedule, start times and how to watch on TV

Plucky Greek journo's Rangers question to Russell Martin shows Panathinaikos devastation - and Ibrox fans must get real

Jim Goodwin aims to strengthen Dundee United squad as injury blues hit after Euro win

Arsenal star issues brutal response to Tottenham's Richarlison after social media dig

Sheffield Wednesday crisis: Growing EFL fear that first game of new season 'won't happen'

'I watched Luke Littler and Luke Humphries closely – this is why they failed as teammates'

Sir Andy Murray's new career move confirmed as statement is released

Ex-EFL club reveal they are just days from extinction as shocking statement details full crisis

Louis Rees-Zammit issues statement as ex-Wales rugby star announces major change

See the 'evidence' Channel Seven is robbing stars of the spotlight so it can promote its own presenters on camera

Liverpool's £116m man Florian Wirtz given iconic shirt number made famous by club legends - while fellow summer signings also make their selections

Fox Sports NRL personality James Hooper is sensationally SACKED after being charged with drink driving: Was allegedly five times over the limit, smashed into three parked cars

Maro Itoje hails 'special' British & Irish Lions team-mates as the captain prepares to rally his troops for one final time in search of a series whitewash in Australia

When Partick Thistle signed Pogba: Unfortunately it wasn't world-beater Paul... but the big brother who ended up in jail for trying to extort money from his famous sibling

Revealed: What Florian Wirtz told Luis Diaz to convince him to complete £65.5m transfer from Liverpool to Bayern Munich

MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: Triple injury boost, Harry Maguire handed new court date and Diogo Dalot opens up about how he has been affected by Diogo Jota's death

Anthony Joshua drops hint over new venture with Eddie Hearn after praising his promoter's family for 'conquering' sport

TEST MATCH BREAKFAST: Shubman Gill passes India icon after his side lose 15th toss in a row as Graham Thorpe's headband set to take centre stage

Mets fulfilled trade deadline needs without losing top prospects

Jess Carter ‘itching’ to return to Gotham on heels of Euro tumult

Former Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit announces return to rugby after leaving NFL

Joey Essex targets future fights with Jake Paul and Tommy Fury ahead of boxing debut

Ex-Manny Pacquiao rival gives verdict on controversial Mario Barrios draw

Joshua, Joyce: The Brits in line to face Olympic champion Yoka after Queensberry switch

Jake Paul signs British world champion as plans for domestic title fight are revealed

Larkhall Golf Club promotion is 'borderline miracle'

Hamilton Accies boss says quitting has 'never crossed my mind' amid chaos off the pitch

Rangers will be tough but we must back ourselves, says Motherwell star

Gartcairn co-boss fumes over ref decisions in Whitletts Vics draw

Rutherglen Glencairn co-boss still looking to strengthen squad

Every Celtic Champions League playoff opponent profiled as £40m shootout beckons

I've one thing to say about this Rangers team with Russell Martin being judged four months early – Barry Ferguson

Bukayo Saka's former Arsenal coach still playing one month shy of 50th birthday

Max Verstappen moan is unfair after F1 race director did what drivers have begged for

Arne Slot comments on Liverpool transfers fly in face of FSG claims amid Alexander Isak pursuit

Man Utd star Diogo Dalot pays emotional tribute to team-mate Diogo Jota after tragic passing

Ryan Reynolds handed 'brutal reality' over Wrexham's transfers as clear problem emerges

Chelsea suffer setback in bid to seal latest transfer as talks hit stalemate

'I rejected Man Utd after situation that upset my family - now I could join Tottenham'

Ruben Amorim 'believes £70m Benjamin Sesko can bring out the best in Rasmus Hojlund' - as Red Devils step up pursuit of RB Leipzig striker