‘It shows the person he is’ - Porter praises Ringrose over withdrawal

Like everyone else, Andrew Porter was shocked to hear the news that Garry Ringrose had unselfishly withdrawn himself from the Lions team for Saturday’s second Test against Australia.

The Leinster centre told head coach Andy Farrell at the end of Thursday’s training session that he was experiencing concussion symptoms.

Ringrose first suffered the symptoms in the game against the Brumbies in Canberra two weeks ago and they caused him to miss the first Test.

He returned against the First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday, but has now been replaced in the team by Huw Jones.

“I actually only heard that before coming here (to speak to the media) that he actually withdrew himself and that he wasn't pulled aside by a coach,” said Porter.

“It's incredibly disappointing for Garry but it just goes to show the character and the player that he is to pull himself aside.

“I think that's an incredibly hard thing to do - and given the magnitude of the game - but it's testament to the player and person he is to be able to put the team first.

”In that sense if he's not right, he's not right and he's looking to let someone who's fit and able to come into the squad and do the job.”

Porter has replaced England‘s Ellis Genge and is one of nine Irish internationals in the starting line-up, a new record for a Lions Test match. He will pack down in the front row with fellow Irish and Leinster team-mates Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.

“Obviously there's that comfort level to be able to pack down with two of your club and countrymen," said Porter.

“They've obviously had an incredible tour individually and it's great being able to come and start alongside them in this huge game in the MCG, so it’s incredibly exciting.”

Porter can’t wait to step out in front of what is expected to be a crowd in excess of 90,000 but knows with the return of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, the Australians could be a different animal to the one the Lions beat a week ago in Brisbane.

“It was an incredibly physical game last week but I think it's going to be another step up again in terms of physicality," he added.

“They’re going with a 6-2 split on the bench as well and with Skelton and Valetini, who are great ball carriers and incredibly experienced players, we're obviously gearing up for an incredibly physical game and as forwards you're always looking forward to those close quarter confrontations.

“We’re looking to continue on from the work we did last week. We obviously had a great first half and just a few errors maybe in the second half let them build a bit of pressure that let them into the game.

“We're just looking for that complete performance as a team and I think we've been building on that for the last few weeks. That performance is overdue and I think it's due to come on Saturday.”