Sexton says Lions need to be great, not good, to win first test

Find out what’s new on ST website and app.

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Quarter Final - Ireland v New Zealand - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - October 14, 2023 Irelands Johnny Sexton applauds the fans after the match REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

BRISBANE - British amp; Irish Lions assistant coach Johnny Sexton expects Saturdays first test to be decided by small margins and believes the tourists will need a great, not good, performance to beat the Wallabies.

The former Ireland flyhalf, who won the first of his six Lions caps in the opening match of the 2013 tour of Australia at Lang Park, dismissed talk of Andy Farrells team being overwhelming favourites for the match.

We dont pay too much attention to the bookies odds or what people are saying, he told reporters at Lang Park on Friday.

Were just concentrating on tomorrow and trying to put a great performance out there.

Because thats what its going to need, a great performance, not a good performance, to beat this Australian team.

Theyre a proud nation, theyre a top class team, well coached. And we need to get our best version of ourselves out there tomorrow.

The Lions won the 2013 series 2-1 but only got off to a winning start in Brisbane after Australias Kurtley Beale slipped over while attempting a late penalty kick that would have given the Wallabies victory.

I think the occasion, the atmosphere, the crowds, thats the