As the British and Irish Lions gear up for a pivotal showdown this weekend, captain Maro Itoje shared his insights on facing his former teammate and "non-traditional lock" Will Skelton, now a key player for the Wallabies. This match-up promises to be a highlight of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Itoje, who has both played alongside and against Skelton, praised the Australian's impact on the field. "I played a few good years with Will, played against him a few times as well," Itoje remarked.
"He is a fantastic player. He is a talisman for La Rochelle and any side he plays in, he adds a sense of dynamism, size, power to the team, so I am delighted for him that he is able to play. I know he was hoping he would get an opportunity. It’s something that we are excited about."
Despite recognizing Skelton's unique attributes, Itoje emphasized maintaining focus on their own game plan.
The Wallabies have made strategic adjustments to their lineup, including the fit-again Rob Valetini and a revised bench split favoring forwards. Lions head coach Andy Farrell commented on these changes, "It is what it says on the tin. It’s obvious what they [Skelton and Valetini] are going to bring and why they are selected." Farrell maintained a practical approach to bench management, understanding the risks and rewards involved.
With the referee for Saturday's Test being Andrea Piardi of Italy, Itoje expressed confidence in the officiating, having previously built a rapport with Piardi. "Given my role, I want to build a relationship, and I have been fortunate enough to work with all of the referees who will be working on the weekend before," he said, underscoring the team's readiness and focus on their scrummaging strength.
The iconic MCG, known for its cricket history, adds another layer of excitement for the Lions. "We have been talking a little bit about that, especially when you spend time in Melbourne and speak to the locals," Itoje shared, highlighting the team's anticipation of playing in such a revered venue. With a victory on Saturday, the Lions have a chance to clinch the Test series, a goal firmly in their sights according to Farrell: "That has been spoken about from day one when we met as a group, that we are the privileged ones that get to do something special and hopefully create a bit of history."
This upcoming Test is not just a game but a stage for historical moments, with a determined Australian team ready to challenge the Lions every step of the way. It’s poised to be an epic showdown.
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As the British and Irish Lions gear up for a pivotal showdown this weekend, captain Maro Itoje shared his insights on facing his former teammate and "non-traditional lock" Will Skelton, now a key player for the Wallabies. This match-up promises to be a highlight of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Itoje, who has both played alongside and against Skelton, praised the Australian's impact on the field. "I played a few good years with Will, played against him a few times as well," Itoje remarked.
"He is a fantastic player. He is a talisman for La Rochelle and any side he plays in, he adds a sense of dynamism, size, power to the team, so I am delighted for him that he is able to play. I know he was hoping he would get an opportunity. It’s something that we are excited about."
Despite recognizing Skelton's unique attributes, Itoje emphasized maintaining focus on their own game plan.The Wallabies have made strategic adjustments to their lineup, including the fit-again Rob Valetini and a revised bench split favoring forwards. Lions head coach Andy Farrell commented on these changes, "It is what it says on the tin. It’s obvious what they [Skelton and Valetini] are going to bring and why they are selected." Farrell maintained a practical approach to bench management, understanding the risks and rewards involved.
With the referee for Saturday's Test being Andrea Piardi of Italy, Itoje expressed confidence in the officiating, having previously built a rapport with Piardi. "Given my role, I want to build a relationship, and I have been fortunate enough to work with all of the referees who will be working on the weekend before," he said, underscoring the team's readiness and focus on their scrummaging strength.
The iconic MCG, known for its cricket history, adds another layer of excitement for the Lions. "We have been talking a little bit about that, especially when you spend time in Melbourne and speak to the locals," Itoje shared, highlighting the team's anticipation of playing in such a revered venue. With a victory on Saturday, the Lions have a chance to clinch the Test series, a goal firmly in their sights according to Farrell: "That has been spoken about from day one when we met as a group, that we are the privileged ones that get to do something special and hopefully create a bit of history."
This upcoming Test is not just a game but a stage for historical moments, with a determined Australian team ready to challenge the Lions every step of the way. It’s poised to be an epic showdown.