The British and Irish Lions are focused on delivering a better start when they face Australia in Saturday’s third Test in Sydney while also completing a 3-0 series whitewash over their hosts.
That was the word from the famous touring side’s first-choice hooker Dan Sheehan ahead of the eagerly anticipated series finale at the Accor Stadium this weekend.
The Lions took an unassailable 2-0 lead in their three-Test series with the Wallabies after sealing a thrilling 29-26 triumph at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) last weekend.
Ahead of the series opener at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the tourists’ forthright loose forward Henry Pollock didn’t mince his words about the team’s ultimate goal for the series when he said: “We want to come here and be the best Lions team ever. We’ve been talking about that loads and 3-0 is definitely on the table.”
Sheehan has been one of the Lions’ stars as he has delivered impressive performances in the first two Tests and scored tries in Brisbane and Melbourne – the first player to do so in 19 years.
Despite already having the series in the bag, Sheehan said the Lions have been honest in their assessment of themselves as they prepare for the final Test.
‘It has to be an honest review’
“We’ve had a few meetings where we need to be open and honest that it wasn’t good enough in the first half,” he told Sky Sports. “It has to be an honest review and we have to get over the excitement of what has just gone on there.
“The lads have done a good job at owning up to that and making sure we put plans in place to make that right now to, as Henry Pollock said, win 3-0.
“I know he got a bit of heat for that but it was obviously the goal of the whole tour to make sure we did come away with a 3-0 win.
“The lads have turned the page well and I think we’re all looking forward to another big game in Sydney and you can already see the excitement around the city with the fans rolling in.
“There’s a big Irish and British contingent out here already, so I think the lads are going to be up for it and excited for the weekend.”
The 26-year-old Irishman admitted that Saturday’s thrilling 29-26 victory at the MCG is an achievement which the Lions players will always remember.
“It’s definitely something that will be etched in my memory for a long time and I think for everyone that was there, it will be in theirs as well,” said Sheehan.
‘Probably added to the theatrics of the whole occasion’
“It was not a perfect performance from us but it probably added to the theatrics of the whole occasion and we’ve definitely celebrated it over the last two days.
“Australia did a great job at getting their big ball carriers over the gain-line and we were struggling to deal with them in the first half. It probably took a stern talking to at half-time to make sure that we were properly committed to the plan.
“We sort of got it right on the pitch in that last 10 minutes of the first half but it was important we came out for that second half with full belief that we could win.
“Everyone did believe and we had the ability in the room for sure to make sure we had a good comeback and I thought the lads coming off the bench did a massive job for us.
“It all turned out right in the end but it’s probably too close for comfort.
“The joy it gave everyone there and everyone back home, it’s definitely something I’ll always hold on to. You have to cherish those moments and those few hours with the lads straight after a game.
“It’s something special, something you’ve grown up wanting to be a part of and on that occasion and that sort of stage, to do it in the MCG…. a special, special day.”
READ MORE: Loose Pass: Maro Itoje’s ‘mental resolve’ overshadowed by ‘moany’ adolescent behaviour