Jamie Carragher issues apology after post about British & Irish Lions' win over Australia

Jamie Carragher was forced into an apology after opening up about his support for the British & Irish Lions. Andy Farrell's side kicked their three-match series against Australia off in stylish fashion with a 27-19 win over the Wallabies.

It was a comfortable victory in the end for the Lions, who got tries through Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan. Farrell is looking to become the first coach in over a decade to secure a series win, and the Lions will get that opportunity next weekend when they play the second Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The win against Australia earned plenty of plaudits from the world of sport, including a congratulatory message from ex-Liverpool ace Carragher. Taking to social media to share his thoughts, Carragher said: "Wow! What a start for @lionsofficial [fire emoji]."

For some, the thought of tough-tackling Carra being a rugby fan was too much to take, with @FootballCliches replying: "Mind can't quite compute this." Carragher was able to see the funny side though, replying: "Not a huge rugby fan, but hooked on the Lions since the 97 tour win & documentary in SA [shrug emoji]. I can only apologise... [laugh emoji]."

Carragher might've been pleased with the result, but according to one former player, coach Farrell won't be thinking the same. Ronan O'Gara, who featured three times for the Lions, said post-match: "The greatest mystery for me was that there was eight points between the teams.

"There was fight in the dog of Australia, but with a little more accuracy, the Lions put away the tries to kill the game. Secretly, Andy Farrell will be fuming with the performance but delighted with the result. It's a fantastic situation for him to be in."

He added: "After a performance like that, you can go hard at the players because you've got what you want with the big win, but you can also highlight where the team needs to grow. The word that will be plastered around Lions team rooms will be 'ruthlessness'. As a coach, you bore players with that on a Monday - how to be ruthless, how to keep your foot on their throat, what to do in pressure moments."

Before next weekend's potentially decisive Test against Australia, some of the fringe players will likely be treated to a run out against First Nations & Pasifika XV in an exhibition match. Then it's on to Melbourne, where the Lions can wrap up a first series win since the last time they were in Australia 12 years ago.