The price B&I Lions paid for series opener
INJURY UPDATE: While Andy Farrell cut a relatively happy figure following the British and Irish Lions’ dominant 27-19 win over the Wallabies.
However, there was a note of worry in his voice when addressing the early removal of Joe McCarthy.
The big second row was removed from the pitch just two minutes into the second half after a barnstorming first Test performance.
‘Plantar fascia,’ said Farrell in the post-match media briefing.
“It was niggling at him, and hopefully we got him off just in time.”
The injury, which can typically take a long time to clear up, could potentially throw doubt on his second Test involvement in Melbourne next week.
McCarthy had racked up nine tackles and five carries in a busy first 40 minutes, but looked immediately uncomfortable just a couple of minutes in the second half and was quickly replaced for Ollie Chessum.
Twelve years on from their last Test on Australian soil, it took the visitors just 22 seconds to hit the lead.
Joe Schmidt’s side then conceded after 10 minutes and scrambled desperately to limit the damage in a thunderous B&I Lions first half.
The lead swelled to 24-5 after 42 minutes before the hosts controlled the contest, late tries to replacements Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott restoring order ahead of a must-win Melbourne Test next Saturday.
Earlier the hosts had looked indecisive and impatient as Brisbane again proved a happy hunting ground for a Lions team unbeaten in the city.
* Additional reporting AAP
