Andy Farrell issues update on injuries : Planet Rugby

British & Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has provided an update on Marcus Smith’s after he was forced off the field in Tuesday’s win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV.

The famous touring team had to dig deep at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne to secure their 24-19 victory which is their narrowest winning margin on their Australian tour so far.

Utility back Smith came onto the field as a replacement in the 67th minute for his namesake, Fin Smith, but only lasted six minutes before being forced off for a head injury assessment (HIA).

Passed his HIA

It was subsequently confirmed that Smith had passed his HIA and Farrell was a relieved man at the post-match press conference.

“He is fine, he has passed everything,” he said.

That means Smith will be available for selection for the Lions‘ second Test against the Wallabies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the tourists are sweating over the fitness of winger Darcy Graham, who limped off in tears with due to an injury to his left ankle midway through the opening half.

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Graham had crossed for a try in the 11th minute but Farrell confirmed that he will have to go for a scan to assess the full extent of his injury.

“He is devastated. To become a Lion and score a try as well, he should be unbelievably proud of himself. He is going for a scan in the morning, so we will see how that looks,” said Farrell.

When asked to assess his team’s performance in the win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV, Farrell told Sky Sports: “We lost a run of ourselves after a good start, going 14 points up and started playing some fancy rugby that was never on, and we didn’t earn the right.

‘We had better intent in the second half’

“We addressed that at half-time. I thought we had better intent in the second half.

“In the end, so pleased for these guys because for some of them it might be the last game on tour, so glad for them to get over with a W in the end.

“There were some great performances by some individuals. I thought Ben White was very good, Jamie [Osborne] obviously and some of the lads coming in playing their first game for us, so delighted for all of them.

“There’s always food for thought. We do what we always do. We review this game and have a meeting tomorrow and select the side tomorrow evening.”

READ MORE: British and Irish Lions survive First Nations & Pasifika XV scare in Melbourne

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