Tadhg Furlong played himself right into Test Series contention in Christchurch but already has plans for the red No.3 jersey he graced for the first time.
Describing his first Lions start as ‘a dream’, Furlong was in flying form after helping his side to a 12-3 victory.
“I will have that number three jersey somewhere at home for the rest of my life,” the Leinster and Ireland prop told the BBC.
One of the key pillars of the Lions win was the strong scrum that won kickable penalties for the excellent Owen Farrell to convert. While the Lions did lose one lineout against the head, they won three significant scrum penalties that sapped Crusaders’ confidence and gave themselves belief.
Putting their hands up for the Test Series https://t.co/5z8AwOeawW
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 10, 2017
Furlong had a time of it and was in the thick of the action from as early as the third minute, as he carried strongly and drove a couple of game Crusaders back.
It was at the scrum, though, that Furlong prospered in a tight five that may well start the First Test against New Zealand. Asked about the pack having their way, the Wexford native produced another cracking quote to add to his hitlist. He commented:
“Out there, there was – especially within the forward unit – a buzz and energy.
“We couldn’t afford for them to play in a dinner suit because we’ve seen those clips, in Super Rugby, and seen how dangerous they could be.”
From a man that gave himself the nickname of Jukebox, because ‘the hits keep coming’, it was another gem.
Furlong has certainly arrived and he may get his name stitched into another few No.3 jerseys on this tour yet.
