Tadhg taking it all in his stride
Furlong plays down Lions talk
CAMPILE NATIVE Tadhg Furlong put in another stellar performance as Ireland completed the ‘triple crown’ of victories, defeating Australia 27-24 at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, having already recorded wins over world champions New Zealand, and South Africa, helping them to a clean sweep over the southern hemisphere’s big three.
Having played in all three games in what has been a roller-coaster year for the former New Ross club player, Tadhg attributes his development to Mike Ross, describing him as a role model and mentor in his development, but he dismisses talk of a Lions spot.
The increasingly influential Furlong has catapulted himself to the front of the queue for the Lions number three shirt next summer with a string of fine November performances.
Furlong’s bullish ball-carrying, his unyielding drive and smart setpiece work have all helped Ireland move their tight game on further under boss Joe Schmidt and forwards coach Simon Easterby.
But the 24-year-old has insisted he feels a ‘big, big step’ away from the Lions picture.
‘It’s kind of daunting in a way, to be honest with you,’ said prop Furlong regarding links to next summer’s Lions squad.
‘Because you know in your own head that “jeez, my scrum wasn’t great there” or “my entry wasn’t great here”, and if I do this against a really good scrummaging pack, I’m going to be torn apart here.
‘That is your thought process. And with people throwing that out, you kind of get embarrassed.
‘The Lions is synonymous with such a big brand and so many great players have played there. Do I see myself there at the minute? No.
‘I think I have a long journey to go, and I’ve only started four games for Ireland, two Heineken Cup games for Leinster, and it is a big, big step to be making those shouts.’
Furlong is refusing to let himself get carried away, insisting his emergence as Ireland’s starting tight head remains in its infancy.