The Lions forwards knew they had let themselves down in Auckland. Tadhg Furlong, himself, knew he was capable of so much more.
The Ireland prop has only been a Test regular for eight months and only made his first international start in South Africa last June. Such was the pace of his rise, however, that his under-par outing at Eden Park would have surprised many.
It would have appalled Furlong. And, at The Cake Tin, he set about making amends.
The Wexford native tackled heartily and was busy in the loose, and at rucks. Any scrum issues the Lions suffered were not on his shoulders. Funnily enough though, Furlong is only listed for one carry in the game.
But what a carry it was. All Blacks blindside Jerome Kaino certainly knows all about it after Furlong’s charge in a tense, 24-21 win for the Lions.
Just four minutes into the match, and after Sean O’Brien carried well off an attacking Lions lineout, Furlong’s moment arrived.
He received the ball just inside the All Blacks’ 22 and bulled forward. Kaino – one of the toughest men in world rugby – went high but couldn’t halt Furlong’s momentum.
Big early carry from Tadhg Furlong! Set a great tone. pic.twitter.com/RdXAxAwHBa
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) July 1, 2017
The carry was only for eight yards gained but it drove home a powerful message.
The Lions were ready. The were a different breed.
