Keenan relieved to overcome early Lions ‘obstacles’

Full-back Hugo Keenan said he “felt a bit better” during the British and Irish Lions’ 48-0 win over the AUNZ Invitational XV after a “frustrating” start to his tour.

The Ireland international, 29, missed Leinster’s semi-final and final victories in the United Rugby Championship in June with a calf injury that also ruled him out of the Lions’ opening fixtures against Argentina and Western Force.

He was then named to make his debut for the side against the Reds only to be ruled out through illness, but now has two games under his belt before the start of the Test series against Australia on 19 July.

“I’m glad that’s sort of behind me and I felt a bit better out there [against AUNZ].

“Now it’s about keeping yourself fit and healthy over the next three weeks because this is where it matters. This is what’s important.”

Keenan, who represented Ireland in sevens at the Paris Olympics last year, was not at his best in his first game against the Waratahs last weekend, but much improved in Adelaide as part of a stronger overall team performance.

“It’s always a bit tough coming in when you’re injured, but there’s a responsibility that when you’re fit, you’re ready to go,” he added.

“I suppose I was a little bit off that Waratahs game, so it’s nice to sort of get back feeling a bit better, mind and body.”

Head coach Andy Farrell will name his first Test team on Thursday and, with Scotland’s Blair Kinghorn a fitness doubt to face the Wallabies next weekend, Keenan is favourite to wear the 15 jersey in Brisbane.

“I think there’s going to be a bit of a headache for Faz [Farrell], there’s obviously a lot of competition, a lot of lads putting their hands up,” he added.