The Lions went into the Second Test against New Zealand as 6/1 outsiders. They went in with only the belief of only their most optimistic of players and fans.
No-one else gave them a chance. No-one thought Sean O’Brien and his beleaguered colleagues would survive a second All Blacks onslaught.
The Lions were a different breed in Wellington, however, and O’Brien led from the front.
The Ireland openside made a number of big carries, turnovers and played a huge part in Toby Faletau’s try [below] and the way the Lions closed out a stunning 24-21 win.
Never would've happened without him https://t.co/KzEkK5CV8s
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) July 1, 2017
Not long after the final whistle, Sky Sports caught up with the Carlow native and found he is targeting so much more than one memorable night at The Cake Tin.
“Delighted with the win,” he said, “and the crowd were unbelievable here this evening. We made life very hard for ourselves though but we worked incredibly hard for each other and we really fronted up today.”
At 18-9 down, O’Brien said the Lions had some harsh words about sticking to the game-plan, keeping the ball and building pressure through phases.
Looking ahead to the winner-takes-all Third Test at Eden Park, reporter Graeme Simmons ratcheted up the stakes.
Simmons: What gets the job done in Auckland next week?
O’Brien: A better performance than today. We re-group and we go again.
Simmons: Immortality beckons? That’s what it is. Immortality is beckoning.
O’Brien: Sure that’s what we’re here for.
The Irishman did not flinch, nor did he hesitate. He answered straight away – That’s what we’re here for.
"That's what we're here for"
Sean O'Brien doesn't flinch. pic.twitter.com/lva3XjfS5A— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) July 1, 2017
O’Brien has won Six Nations titles and Heineken Cups. He has been to two World Cups and this is his second Lions tour. He is not in New Zealand to tick off boxes or fluff up CVs.
When the Lions scored a consolation try last week and had their backs patted for making a fist of it against the world champions, O’Brien wouldn’t hear of it. He was remonstrating with the referee at the end of the game. His head was still in the game and he was struggling to let it go.
All week, he has been dying to get out there again and go at them. And when the Lions needed a big performance, O’Brien delivered.
Imagine most men being asked if winning a rugby game would make them immortal? Most would bat the question away. Most would back away from it; side-step.
O’Brien nodded the head – “Sure”.
If beating one of the greatest ever All Blacks sides in New Zealand, over three gruelling games, after only six weeks together as a squad doesn’t make you a rugby immortal, what does?
That’s what O’Brien is here for.
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