‘It shows the person he is’ – Porter praises Ringrose

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.”