Lions back rower Jack Conan on Wallabies 'hard time' ahead of first Test

British & Irish Lions No.8 Jack Conan believes the Wallabies haven’t had a fair portrayal in the lead up to the first Test in Brisbane.

After a largely uncompetitive warm-up run against Australian Super sides and an AUNZ composite side, the Lions have flexed their might so far during the tour.

But that doesn’t detract from what the Wallabies are capable of, with last year’s Spring tour showing they are more than competitive against European nations.

Joe Schmidt interview after Wallaby squad announcement

Joe Schmidt interview after Wallaby squad announcement

“I think the media have given them a bit of a hard time,” Conan told media on Tuesday.

“But we know that they’re an unbelievably good side with incredible athletes across the park.

“We [Ireland] had a really tough in November, I wasn’t playing but I was down watching that day.

“They’re an unbelievable side. It’s not going to be easy, it never is. How motivated are they going to be for this? You know, first Test match in 12 years on home soil against the Lions.

“We have to make sure they’re motivation isn’t higher than ours.”

Whilst the November internationals offered hope for Wallabies fans, the last-gasp win over Fiji in Newcastle over a week ago was deflating.

They fell behind in the final stages with a try a few minutes from time escaping back-to-back losses to the Fijians.

Conan didn’t make much of the result, with Fiji are formidable force in recent years.

“Fiji have come on leaps and bounds over the last few years,” he said.

“It was the first Test for them in awhile as well so they’ll be better again having played that game. They’ll have training time to iron mistakes out.”

On suggestions that the Lions are abusing the offside line with the ferocious line speed by ex-Wallaby Morgan Turinui, Conan responded with “how many offside penalties did we give away?”

“We gave away one. One offside penalty, so the refs are doing they’re job so. He’s entitled to his opinion, but if the refs see it one way, that’s the way it is.”