The Wales international has had an excellent tour and is desperate to break into the Test fray for the final two games
Wales captain Jac Morgan says the last week has been no different to any other as he looks to put the disappointment of missing the first British and Irish Lions Test behind him and achieve the “massive honour” of featuring against the Wallabies this weekend.
Morgan was overlooked in favour of England’s Tom Curry for the first Test in Brisbane, with the Wales openside playing 50 minutes of the Lions’ win over the First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday in Melbourne. His early withdrawal at Marvel Stadium could mean he might play some part in the second Test at the MCG this weekend.
“It would be a massive honour and a very proud moment,” said Morgan about playing in a Test for the Lions, as he reflected on the last five or so days in terms of picking himself up from that initial disappointment.
“The last week has been no different to the last few weeks,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to play today and I just try and train and play and perform the best you can.
“It’s a highly competitive position and Tom was outstanding on the weekend and he’s a great player – and so is Josh as well – so the competition is always high in that position so we try and get the best out of each other.
“We all work with each other in that breakdown aspect and defence and just watching him (Curry) and his work-rate off the ball, chasing kicks, chasing everything down.
“His work-rate is unbelievable so I’m just trying to learn from him, the way he puts himself in areas of the field.”
Following Tomos Williams’ injury, Morgan has been the lone Welshman in a squad that has ballooned up to 45 players. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Given the perilous state of Welsh rugby, it has felt like the Ospreys back-row has been carrying the weight of a nation Down Under.
“It’s hard to put into words,” he said. “I’m obviously chuffed and I’m trying to make everyone proud in a way.
“I was gutted for Tomos because he was playing great rugby so I’m just trying to make everyone proud.”
The support out in Australia for Morgan has been incredible, with the 25-year-old receiving one of the loudest cheers when his name was read out in the stadium prior to kick-off.
Fans have also been wearing Morgan facemasks, while a number of friends have made the trip to Australia to watch him play.
“I’ve heard a couple of the cheers,” he said. “It’s great to have the support.
“There’s a lot of Welsh out here so it’s great to see. It’s massive, the support is always big. It’s great to have all the support.
“I’ve seen a lot of familiar faces. The family are here, a couple of my good mates have come out.
“There’s a load from Cwmtwrch, my junior club. I don’t think all of them (have come) but there’s a good crowd.”
