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'Hopefully we got him off in time': Andy Farrell's worrying Joe McCarthy update
By Ian Cameron at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
While Andy Farrell cut a relatively happy figure following the British & Irish Lions’ dominant 27-19 win over the Wallabies, there was a note of worry in his voice when addressing the early removal of Joe McCarthy.
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The big second row was removed from the pitch just two minutes into the second half after a barnstorming first Test performance.
“Plantar fascia,” said Farrell in the post-match press conference. “It was niggling away at him and hopefully we got him off in time.”
The injury, which can typically take a long time to clear up, could potentially throw doubt on his second Test involvement in Melbourne a week from now.
McCarthy had racked up nine tackles and five carries in a busy first forty, but looked immediately uncomfortable just a couple of minutes into the second half and was quickly substituted for Ollie Chessum.
Twelve years on from their last Test on Australian soil, it took the visitors just 22 seconds to hit the lead.
Joe Schmidt’s side then conceded after 10 minutes and scrambled desperately to limit the damage in a thunderous Lions first half.
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The lead swelled to 24-5 after 42 minutes before the hosts controlled the contest, late tries to replacements Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott restoring order ahead of a must-win Melbourne Test next Saturday.
Earlier, the hosts had looked indecisive and impatient as Brisbane again proved a happy hunting ground for a Lions team unbeaten in the city.
additional reporting AAP