Tom Curry was driven by a mood of simmering defiance to inspire the Lions to victory, as England’s back-row hit man justified his inclusion in the starting XV in emphatic fashion.
The 27-year-old flanker lived up to his billing as a ‘machine’ by head coach Andy Farrell, with a series of big shots in defence, relentless work-rate and commitment, a close-range try and an assist. He touched down just before half-time, then after the break gave a demonstration of his all-court class, juggling the ball to steal an over-thrown lineout then off-loading, before running hard to be in position to deliver the perfectly-timed, decisive pass to send Dan Sheehan over in the corner.
Having smashed himself to a near standstill in the cause, Curry had every right to be elated but he was in a tetchy mood as he gave a post-match interview. It became apparent that within the Lions squad, it was perceived that he had been harshly criticised in the build-up to this series opener — and he did little to hide his irritation.
Curry had not appeared to perform as well in the tour matches as other contenders for the No 7 shirt, notably Wales captain Jac Morgan. So when he was selected, it was interpreted as a vote for pedigree over form. Aggrieved Welsh fans bemoaned the inclusion of the Englishman over their sole remaining representative.
Of course, as someone with a track record of delivering when it matters most, that is exactly what Curry did. It became apparent that proving a point had been motivation for a man who has credit in the bank, having started all three Lions Tests against South Africa in 2021.
Tom Curry starred for the British & Irish Lions in Saturday’s 27-19 win over Australia in Brisbane
Curry was one of three Lions try-scorers as the tourists secured a brilliant win in the first Test
This was the initial interview sequence…
‘Tom, how do you feel? Did you enjoy that?’
‘Yeah, good.’
‘What’s the mood of the team like after dominating, before Australia fought back?’
‘Yeah, it was good. Next Test.’
‘Are you pleased with your own performance?
‘I was happy. It was good.’
‘You produced a big hit at the start — did you feel real momentum from that early on?
‘Yeah.’
‘Are you cheesed off?’
‘No, it’s just the game. It’s what we’re here to do.’
There were brief flickers of more extensive chat, as Curry discussed how the Wallabies will respond next week in Melbourne, about how the Lions executed their gameplan with ‘passion’ and how he savoured the support of the vast numbers of Lions fans and his visiting family. But the irritation and the curt answers kept resurfacing.
Curry was in no mood to celebrate post-match, offering blunt answers despite his fine display
Lions head coach Andy Farrell (left) congratulated Curry with a handshake after the match
‘Your arm was being strapped after you came off — do you feel OK?’
‘Yeah, it’s good. I’m good.’
‘You were fired up from the start tonight, how did that feel?’
‘I felt good.’
‘You just felt ready for it?’
‘Yep.’
‘And the atmosphere and fans were amazing?’
‘Yep.’
‘Anything else?’
‘It was good.’
‘How much more do you think you’ve got in you for next week?’
‘Loads.’
‘In what areas?’
‘Every area.’
‘Was that your type of game?’
‘They’re all my types of games.’
‘Have you picked up on any criticism that you weren’t 100 per cent Tom Curry coming into this?’
‘No. No.’
Curry led from the front with thumping tackles to set the tone for a ferocious Lions showing
The point of explaining all this is that it was clearly relevant to Curry’s performance. He was evidently fuelled by a sense of grievance about being criticised or undervalued or disrespected. He was a man on a mission and his staggering levels of intensity were testament to that. Farrell had already revealed how the Lions had harnessed what is always termed the ‘outside noise’ to galvanise them — notably Curry and fellow flanker and star performer, Tadhg Beirne.
‘I read all that,’ said the head coach, in reference to coverage of the pair’s selection for the first Test. ‘It was interesting, wasn’t it?’ Giving his verdict on how they played, he added: ‘Immense, absolutely immense.
‘Tom Curry put in some really nice shots defensively and Tadhg Beirne got a turnover very early doors and set the tone really.’
On Curry, he added: ‘For those who know him and his character, that was always going to happen.’
It will all be different now. It will be wall-to-wall praise and acclaim. Hitting the heights next week will require different motivational tools, but Curry is sure to find them.
That’s why he was referred to as a pedigree pick — because he’s so often shown his top-level worth.
