Maro Itoje Sets High Expectations for British and Irish Lions Ahead of First Test Against Australia
As the British and Irish Lions gear up for their highly anticipated first test match against Australia, captain Maro Itoje has made it clear that his team is aiming for nothing less than a clean sweep. Itoje, who is the first black captain in the history of the Lions, has been a standout performer during the warm-up matches leading up to this crucial encounter.
Despite a setback in their opening match against Argentina in Dublin, the Lions bounced back impressively, securing victories in all five subsequent warm-up games in Australia. The final team selection for the showdown with Australia will be announced on Thursday, but Itoje’s message is unequivocal: the Lions are focused on a whitewash.
In his own words, Itoje emphasized, "It goes without saying, no one wants to lose a game. It would be strange if any of my teammates said, ‘we want to win two and lose one.’ We all want to win every game we play. Our primary focus is on this Saturday; the other two matches will take care of themselves."
In a recent announcement, the Lions have bolstered their squad with the addition of Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, and Darcy Graham. Head Coach Andy Farrell has been enhancing the original 38-player squad he unveiled in May, and Itoje views these additions as a significant boost. "Andy has called them in because he believes it will help us achieve our goal of winning the Test series. All the players brought in are top-quality, with extensive experience and achievements in their careers. We’re all in this together," Itoje remarked.
The 30-year-old captain expressed pride in being part of his third Lions tour, noting that this experience feels distinct from any other match. "During Test week, there’s a sharpening of the mind and a heightened level of focus," he explained. "We recognize that the quality of our opposition this week will be significantly higher than what we’ve faced thus far. We’re prepared for a big step up."
As the Lions approach Saturday’s match against the Wallabies, Itoje is confident that the squad will continue to sharpen their skills and strategies. "There’s a healthy tension in the squad because we know this is the culmination of our hard work."
With the Lions determined to claim victory against Australia in the first Test, fans can expect an exhilarating showdown this weekend. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable match!
