JACK THE GLAD

Conan's on fantasy tour in Australia after 'eerie' debut during pandemic

- FROM ADAM HATHAWAY In Brisbane

IRELAND'S Jack Conan has witnessed the worst of Lions tours and is now making the best of the current one in Australia.

The No.8 started all three Tests against the Springboks four years ago in front of no fans because of the pandemic and the ban on spectators in the grounds.

One of the favourites to start in the opener against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday, Conan was robbed of his moment, with friends and family absent from the stands as he ran out in Cape Town in 2021.

But this tour is different. The contingent of visiting fans started to swell in Adelaide for the 48-0 win over an AUNZ XV, and is expected to help fill the 52,500 capacity stadium with red shirts this weekend.