Sam Warburton On The Massive Role Ireland Will Have On Lions Tour

Lions Captain Sam Warburton believes Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell will have a huge part to play if they are to upset claim series victory over the All Blacks.

Farrell masterminded Ireland’s defence for their famous win over the All Blacks back in November and was also part of the England set-up when they defeated Steve Hansen’s men back in 2012.

Warburton says Farrell has already set the tone and the Lions already have a huge appetite for a solid defence.

“Andy Farrell was coach of that team in defence,” Warburton told RTÉ Sport in when asked about Ireland’s famous win over the All Blacks

“He was coach of England in 2012 when they beat the All Blacks and already he has set the tone defensively.

“I thought he spoke very well in the defensive meeting. I think everybody has a huge appetite to defend for Andy and that’s going to be a massive part of the game against New Zealand.”

With 11 Irish players in the Lions squad, Warburton says their insight into getting the better of New Zealand in Chicago is something that will be taken on board by the squad.

“It’s good to have those boys around. They have that experience, though I don’t think it would matter if we didn’t have that experience,” he said.

“As we get closer to the Test matches, I think we will tap into the Irish boys perhaps a little bit more and I’m sure they will share a bit of insight on their success.