Jack Conan has revealed that an inspirational video from Irish boxing great Katie Taylor gave the British and Irish Lions the resilience they needed to complete their series against Australia.
Taylor, an Olympic champion and the reigning undisputed world super-welterweight champion, wished Andy Farrell's side good luck ahead of their second Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Club on Saturday.
The 39-year-old's prophetic words about his ability to return to the game came true as the Lions came back from 18 points down to win 29-26.
“That video was incredibly moving and powerful. It conveyed a willingness to win not just through skill but through willpower,” said Ireland's No.8 Conan, who like Taylor hails from Bray, County Wicklow.
“That was clearly demonstrated in the match because we weren’t at our best.
“It means a lot because she's from my town. I'm incredibly proud of where I come from and I know Katie is too.
She has achieved great success in boxing. We also took inspiration from her ability to be a superstar while remaining humble and determined, because we knew Australia was a proud nation and they showed that in spades.
“Everyone loved it, even the English, the Scots and the Welsh – it resonated with everyone. It was incredibly moving, it was wonderful. It really touched us.”
With 51 seconds left in the game, Hugo Keenan made a magnificent run that gave the team the lead in one of the Lions' greatest games. Remarkably, the touchdown was the first to give the team the lead in the game.
Conan admits the victory was particularly sweet as he was performing at his best as Australia raised their level of play after a poor showing in Brisbane the week before.
“We weren’t in the best shape by any standards, but physically the guys showed impressive performance,” he noted.
“The way we played was disappointing, but we played 80 minutes. For Hugo to cross the line in the last minute was just incredible.
“It wasn't my best game. A lot of us didn't play at all.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
