Andy Farrell has dismissed any suggestion of paranoia in the Lions camp regarding apparent Australian surveillance of their playing movements.
Farrell’s comments echoed those of head coach Warren Gatland, who said “there was no allegation of spying” aimed at the Australian camp and that he had “no issue” with the Australians videoing last week’s Western Force game in Perth.
The Australian Rugby Union subsequently issued a statement, “flatly denying that anyone connected to the Wallabies has been involved in filming or watching the Lions at training”.
Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans claimed the whole affair was “just a sideshow,” and Lions assistant coach Farrell said: “We are not paranoid.
“If we are paranoid about getting things right then yes, we are. You’ve got to get things right. We are leaving nothing to chance.
“It is important we have everything covered on and off the field. We are trying to do our best on the field, and off the field we have to make sure that nothing gets in the way of the on-field stuff as well.”
Security is evident at the training venues in Australia, although some of the work-outs have seen members of the public permitted to be in attendance, such as for a session at a Brisbane school last week.
Fly-halves Jonathan Sexton and Owen Farrell both missed training in Newcastle, but Farrell moved to allay any fears over their fitness.
“Like every game of rugby, guys have got little knocks and tweaks, but there is nothing serious,” Farrell said.
“Owen has just got a bit of a dead leg, that’s all, so that is precautionary. Jonny was just a little bit tight (hamstring), but he’s fine as well.
“They’ve got to recover properly, especially with the flights, so they had training off today, but they are fine.
“Rob (Kearney) trained this morning and he ran very well. He will be back with the boys, the non 23, tomorrow morning, and he will be looking to be fit for the weekend.”
Assessing the Combined Country team’s challenge, Farrell said: “For the 23 that are going to come against us, it’s probably going to be the biggest game of their lives.
“You can play against anyone and for the first 20-25 minutes it’s always going to be a battle.
“They will bring a lot of intensity and guts to the game.”