The British and Irish Lions have taken a 1-0 series lead over Australia after a 27-19 victory in the first Test in Brisbane.
The Lions are the heavy favourites to win this series Down Under and they are a third of the way to a potential whitewash following Saturday’s success.
It was a tale of two halves though and will leave Lions head coach Andy Farrell frustrated despite the triumph.
Roaring start by the British and Irish Lions
The Lions made a dream start from kick-off, winning a penalty within seconds courtesy of Tadhg Beirne. Showing their intent, captain Maro Itoje pointed to the points and Finn Russell duly converted the penalty for an early 3-0 lead.
That lead was quickly extended when Russell threw a delightful long pass to his Scotland team-mate, and Australian-born, Sione Tuipulotu who ran over to score.
Leading 10-0 inside the opening nine minutes, it was utter dominance from the Lions before Australia scored a try against the run of play when Max Jorgensen ripped a high ball off Hugo Keenan to race clear. Rookie fly-half Tom Lynagh, who endured a difficult night, wasn’t able to kick the conversion.
The Lions regrouped though and extended their lead just before half-time when Tom Curry powered over to score to give his side a 17-5 advantage at half-time.
Australia battle back in the second half
The second half started in the same vein as the first with an early Lions score.
Curry, who was growing more and more into the game, this time became the provider as he put hooker Dan Sheehan in the corner to score. Russell duly nailed the kick from out wide to maintain his 100 per cent record in the match.
It seemed that the Lions would continue to build up a score, but Australia rallied back after building pressure. First replacement Carlo Tizzano powered over to score with 12 minutes remaining.
That made it a 12-point game but Marcus Smith kicked a penalty from close-range to extend the deficit to 15 points.
However, Australia were not perturbed and scored again with a minute left when Tate McDermott sniped over.
It was a disappointing end for the Lions, in a match they dominated, but Farrell will be happy they got the win first and foremost. For Australia head coach Joe Schmidt they have a lot to do to keep the series alive.
What’s next for the British and Irish Lions?
All eyes are on Melboune for the next week now. On Tuesday, the Lions take on First Nations and Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium in what will be their final midweek match (11am BST).
Then on Saturday, they take on the Wallabies in the second Test at the iconic MCG (11am BST).
