Former Irish sensation Simon Zebo has unleashed high praise for Tadhg Beirne, likening his influence to that of global rugby titans Ardie Savea and Antoine Dupont. This comes after Beirne's pivotal role in the British and Irish Lions' recent victory over the Wallabies, where he shone brightly as the tourists took a 1-0 lead in the series.
The Lions are now poised to secure their first series win since their 2013 triumph in Australia, with Beirne set to start as blindside flanker alongside Tom Curry in the upcoming clash. The duo's synergy is expected to heavily disrupt the host's gameplay, especially at the breakdown.
"The form Tadhg has been in for the last two or three years has been frightening, arguably up there with the Ardie Savea's or the Antoine Dupont's of this world in terms of the impact he has on his team-mates,"
Zebo commented on the Scotty and Izzy show.Despite his seemingly laid-back demeanor off the field, Beirne's on-field persona is that of an unwavering leader, known for his extraordinary work rate and versatility. His ability to perform consistently in high-pressure scenarios has made him an indispensable asset to coach Andy Farrell’s strategic plans.
Beirne's journey to the top is a story of resilience and late blooming. Released by Leinster, his career was rejuvenated at Scarlets, leading to a successful stint with Munster and over 60 Test caps since his debut in 2018. Now, as he continues to excel in his 30s, his role is more crucial than ever.
"He’s really excelled in the last couple of years but he has this freedom that I think Andy and co. give him where he’s just a menace because he’s very smart with how and when he uses his poaches [at the breakdown],"
Zebo added.As the Lions gear up for the next test in Melbourne, all eyes will be on Beirne to see if he can maintain his formidable form and help the team clinch a historic victory. The Wallabies, licking their wounds from the first test, are expected to retaliate fiercely, aiming to balance the scales and keep the series alive for the sake of Rugby Australia and their fans.