Rory Best may well miss out on the matchday squad for the First Test but he has been reborn as a Lion.
The Ireland captain had s tour to forget in 2013 but has performed much better this time out. On Tuesday, he captained the midweek Lions to their biggest victory of the tour – a 34-6 caning of a decent Chiefs side.
Best had a typically busy game and while there were still wrinkles in the Lions lineout, he was vital at the breakdown and for his tireless work-rate. In receiving the traditional hongi, following the game, Best was also part of one of the best pictures of the tour so far:
Awesome pic uce @RoryBest2 pic.twitter.com/DXR7UakTHB
— Nick Williams (@nick8williams) June 20, 2017
Best caught up with Tim Nanai Williams after the game, in the Chiefs dressing room, shared a beer and posted a snap that will mean a lot to the centre’s cousin Nick, a former teammate of the hooker’s at Ulster.
Williams was lucky enough to swap jerseys with another Ulster and Ireland star, tryscorer Jared Payne.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVk7yVBl2e3/?taken-by=tim_nwilliams&hl=en
It was not until after the game that Best caught up on his messages – texts and social media – and spotted a lovely mention from a guy he idolised growing up.
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick was on punditry duty for Sky Sports and tweeted out a good luck message to Best. His reply reminded us all that even the Ireland captain started out an eager rugby fan, like the rest of us.
Just when u think ur week can't get any better, 1 of ur childhood heros tweets u!! #AllBlackLegend #RoleModel https://t.co/jFKnd4uGOg
— Rory Best (@RoryBest2) June 20, 2017
Best did himself proud at Waikato Stadium but he’s not finished on this tour yet.
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