Surprise British and Irish Lions number eight selection Jack Conan said on Thursday that it was "surreal" hearing his name called out as a starter against world champions South Africa on Saturday. Sam Simmonds from England was another contender and he and Faletau were among the first to congratulate Conan for getting the nod from coach Warren Gatland. I think it is natural to doubt yourself, so it was an anxious time when Warren was announcing the team," Conan told an online news conference. I do not think it gets any bigger than this," said a forward whose career has been hampered by injuries. Conan is unconcerned about never having played in a combination with England flankers Tom Curry and Courtney Lawes.

Source: News 24 July 22, 2021 16:30 UTC