Lions prop Tadhg Furlong is looking forward to a huge battle in the first test against New Zealand this Saturday.
The Wexford man was a member of the Ireland team which downed the All Blacks last Chicago but he still sees this weekend as the peak of his career thus far.
Speaking ahead of the match he said: "It’s the pinnacle for any rugby player from the four home nations to get the chance to go out and represent those countries.
“It was a boyhood dream of mine and it’s hugely exciting. Naturally you think back to your club back home where you started, your family who carted you here there and everywhere, and everyone else that has helped you along your way."
.@tadhgfurlong on #LionsNZ2017 Test selection: "It's the pinnacle of any rugby player's career. I'm living the boyhood dream."#NZLvBIL pic.twitter.com/CkU9EQcF44
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 22, 2017
New Zealand haven't lost at Eden Park since 1994 and the Irishman understands the size of the task awaiting the tourists this weekend.
"This will be a huge challenge for the pack especially," he said, adding: "It’s fundamental we put our stall out early. It’s up to us to give the foundation for the back line to play off, and it’s due to rain a bit before so you can expect the ground to be a bit greasy.”
“In terms of a challenge, it probably doesn’t get any bigger than the All Blacks at Eden Park. We’ve prepped well as a team, but we are still looking to perfect those things we want to perfect."
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