Tadhg Beirne: 'Hopefully I did the British and Irish Lions jersey justice'

MUNSTER Rugby captain Tadhg Beirne turned in a Man of the Match display as the British and Irish Lions won the opening Test against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday morning.

The Lions have headed to Melbourne for next Saturday's second Test knowing they have the beating of the Wallabies after dominating the Suncorp Stadium opener for 50 minutes.

Before that, the Lions will also play a ‘First Nations & Pasifika XV’ selection also in Melbourne on tomorrow, Tuesday morning, in their final mid-week fixture.

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While pleased to win the opening Test against Joe Schmidt's Wallabies on Saturday, the Lions will be acutely aware that twelve years ago Warren Gatland’s team took a 1-0 lead in the series by winning in Brisbane only to lose the second Test in Melbourne. The Lions then clinched the Sydney decider.

Reflecting on Saturday's 27-19 victory over Australia, Player of the Match Tadhg Beirne, told Sky Sports: “It was a proper Test match, the last quarter was a battle. Australia will take confidence from that going into next week.

“Discipline was right on the edge. That will be a big focus for us.

“We managed the game well but need to focus on discipline more.

“I loved it, some of the games leading up weren't my best. But I hopefully did the shirt justice.”

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell was full of praise for flankers Beirne and England's Tom Curry.

Both selections were questioned before Saturday's opening Test match because of their form on tour.

“Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne were absolutely immense. Curry put in some shots defensively and Tadhg got the turnover very early doors. It didn't stop there," Farrell said.

“(Jack) Conan's carrying was very much on the front foot. Those three guys I'm sure they'll be delighted with how they responded to being selected.

“Curry and Beirne are a man of their word and that's what they delivered.”

Meanwhile, Scotland second row Gregor Brown has been called up to the Lions’ tour of Australia amid concerns over the fitness of Ireland's Joe McCarthy. Brown joined Andy Farrell’s squad in Melbourne yesterday to provide cover for Tuesday’s match against a First Nations and Pasifika XV.