Andy Farrell believes it is ‘insulting’ to claim Australia do not deserve to host future British & Irish Lions tours despite his team bidding for an historic 3-0 whitewash of the Wallabies on Saturday in Sydney.
Farrell's men are on the verge of writing their names in the records books alongside the great Lions teams by inflicting a first ever 3-0 series loss on the locals.
However, he insists Australia must remain on the tour schedule, pointing out the improvement the home side made in that titanic second Test in Melbourne before losing 29-26 to a last minute Hugo Keenan try.
Lions coach Farrell said: "It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast and to me it's insulting [to suggest not touring to Australia], to even talk about it in that type of way.
"Every single team, country or province has their ups and downs, but Australia being the sporting nation that they are, are always going to come back. That [Wallabies performance] on the weekend was no surprise to us and that's why we expect them to be better.
"Have a look at the year that they've got coming up. They're going to be a force to be reckoned with 100 per cent with all their experiences and the World Cup here in 2027."
The Lions players, including England’s Ben Earl and Henry Pollock, raised plenty of eyebrows when they announced they wanted to become the greatest to ever wear the famous red jersey by remaining unbeaten in Australia.
Would losing the final Test be a massive let down? "It depends how we perform," added Farrell.
"Australia could play the house down and we could give a brilliant version ourselves. We still win the series 2-1 but we have made it clear that we want to represent the group properly by giving this a good shake on Saturday.
"I never think you should shy away from shooting for the stars, you might end up with the moon but that's pretty good as well. [The clean sweep ambition represents] the quality that we're chasing.
“I don't think you should shy away from challenging each other and if you don't get there then hopefully it's somewhere near. It sets a mentality in my mind of what preparation and delivering means and you've always got a level to aim at.
"I think the few days off where the lads were able to spend time with their families etc. has just rejuvenated [the squad] a little bit for that one last push. And that one last push is something we promised we were going to do eight weeks ago. What's there to be shy about? Players, coaches, staff, Lions fans – they all want to win every game. You can't be frightened of that.
"You can say what you want about the [second Test] game and how exciting it was, finishing in the last minute. But it was five tries to three and we've shown our ability to be able to get over the line.
“Over a three game series, eight tries after two games is pretty good. So we're happy with that, it shows the type of mindset and our ability to stay calm, going through two sets of 14 phases to be able to get the job done is where you want to be."
There is already talk about Farrell being nailed on to coach the next Lions tour to New Zealand in 2029 but his immediate plans are to return to Ireland and watch Oasis in concert in Dublin.
He explained: "I'm definitely going to [see Oasis], that's why I’m going home! I'm going and taking a few friends. There are a few coaches that are trying to get on the bandwagon. I've got a few tickets for the Saturday night at Croke Park."
And coaching the Lions again? "Give me a break will you! Let me get through Saturday. Honestly, for me, it's been absolutely brilliant. I've loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about. Thinking about the future is something that's surely not on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing.
"We talk about it being the best time of our lives and it is that because it's such a dream from so many years ago for everyone [to go on a winning Lions tour]. So when it happens we might as well enjoy it together. It's been fantastic coming back over here to Australia because there are so many mentors, colleagues, people who are respected that have helped my journey on the way.
"One of my old coaches, David Waite, who coached me for Great Britain many years ago, just contacted me five minutes before I came into [the press conference]. So it's good to keep in touch with all of those guys that have had an impact on your career.
"If we don't [learn anything from the players] then we're pig ignorant because that has to be the way. People buy in together when they really 100 per cent think and believe it's the truth because it's their team. It has to be that way. Gone are the days where it's just a master at the front who's telling everyone and dictating what to do.
"It's so much more powerful when we all think and care about the team in such a manner that we believe we're all able to give our voice."
Listen to the third and final Lions Test live on talkSPORT as they look to make history.
