British & Irish Lions boss Andy Farrell admits that the 36-24 win over the ACT Brumbies was another “step forward” as they prepare for the start of the Test series against Australia on Saturday week.
Farrell was, however, again left to rue the Lions, leaving points on the pitch despite getting off to their normal slow start when Brumbies back-row Tuaina Taii Tualima opened the scoring, he thought the Lions dominated.
“It’s great to get another win. I thought overall we dominated the game. I think if you fast-forward through the game, you will see that. On the back of that, we scored some lovely balanced tries.
“But I suppose the other side of the story is we certainly left three out there and maybe more, and left the Brumbies in the game, and they were good enough to capitalise on those errors and ill-discipline to post some points.
Fixture
British & Irish Lions
AUNZ XV
British & Irish Lions
“Our game control was pretty good, which allowed us to keep the pressure at the right end of the field, so that’s a nice step forward. I thought our kicking game, especially Jamison Gibson-Park, was on the money,” he said.
Farrell said he was happy with how Gibson-Park and Finn Russell are developing an understanding, despite a lack of time on the training pitch due to the travelling between games.
“It was good for them to get time out there because there is a bit of a lack of time as far as training is concern because of the nature of all this.
“But to get game time like that and for them to get to know each other a little bit better is priceless for us. They are constantly talking off the field.
“It will be great to get to Test week, where we have got a full run at it, but they are bonding unbelievably well,” added the Lions boss.
