Lions Backs to go on the offensive in second test: Sexton

Saturday, 29 June 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

MELBOURNE (Reuters): The British and Irish Lions expect Australia to throw everything bar the kitchen sink at them in Saturday’s second test but the tourists are also hoping to show what they can do in attack, flyhalf Jonny Sexton said on Friday.

The Lions held on for a 23-21 victory in the first test in Brisbane last week, despite being oustcored two tries to one, and Sexton thinks they have a point to prove at Docklands Stadium. “I don’t think we really got to implement our gameplan last week, we didn’t show too much,” the Irishman told reporters on Friday. “We’ll look to try to attack them this week. We didn’t really get the chance last week, we’ll have a go this week.” The Lions played some brilliant attacking rugby in their tour matches and the threat Sexton poses to defences with front-foot ball has in large part earned him the flyhalf role over England’s Owen Farrell for the test matches. On Saturday, he will have a different halfback partner in Ben Youngs after the Englishman was preferred to hulking Welsh scrumhalf Mike Phillips. “It’ll be different, but they have a lot similarities,” the 27-year-old said. “They’re obviously different in size, but they’re both pretty abrasive, even though they’re different sizes. “They both want to play a quick game. It’s not going to take that much getting used to. I’ve had a good few days with Ben. Hopefully we’ll click. He brings a lot to the game in terms of his running ability. “We had a little bit of game time at the end of the (Queensland) Reds game. We’ve had all week training. It’s been good. We’re pretty much in the same wavelength now.” Sexton said he would love to wrap up the series 2-0 on Saturday, if only for fellow Irishmen and Lions stalwarts Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell, who have never tasted a series victory in the famous red shirt.