The British and Irish Lions began their Test series with a comfortable and comprehensive 27-19 victory over Australia.
The result never really looked in doubt with tries from Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan keeping the hosts at arm's length for most of the contest.
Here's how we rated the players.
15. Hugo Keenan – 6.5
Mixed day for the Ireland full-back who knocked on early and was beaten in the air for Max Jorgensen's try. Covered well otherwise but didn’t put his stamp on the game. May be under pressure if Blair Kinghorn is fit for second Test.
14. Tommy Freeman – 6.5
Came off his wing to look for work without getting much opportunity to use his pace. Conceded four turnovers, perhaps too eager to make a big play.
13. Huw Jones – 7.5
Made a team-high 65 metres with ball in hand and looked comfortable up against the Aussie’s star man Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Suffered white line fever when a recycle would have led to a certain second try.
12. Sione Tuipulotu – 7.5
Scored the first try, which was put on a plate by Finn Russell and dove-tailed perfectly with his Scottish team-mates inside and out. Will be hard shifted for next weekend.
11. James Lowe – 7
His break and hand-off almost led to a second try and he had a mixed day with the boot. Got sucked in to the wrong position for Jorgensen’s try. Carried for 26 metres.
10. Finn Russell – 8
Looked completely at home leading the team around. Mixed passing, kicking and running perfectly. Floated a beautiful pass for the opening try. Kicked three conversions and a penalty.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8.5
A real contender for player of the match, without doing anything spectacular. His pin-point kicking set the tone and his speed at the ruck kept the tempo up. Telling that Andy Farrell kept him on until the game was out of sight.
1. Ellis Genge – 7.5
Made a number of strong carries, eight in total, early on that put the Lions on the front foot. Penalised at the scrum once or twice before making way for Porter.
2. Dan Sheehan – 8.5
Excellent performance from the best hooker in the northern hemisphere. Took his try well, a score that really killed off any chance for the hosts. Carried nine times and was 100% out of touch.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 7.5
Powerful, energetic showing from the Leinster man, who hasn’t played much this season. Looks the part in the Lions Test arena. Used well as a pivot option in midfield to compliment his more direct contributions.
4. Maro Itoje – 7.5
Put in 19 tackles, mostly in the second half as the Wallabies dominated possession. Made a couple of handling errors but solid at lineout and completed seven carries.
5. Joe McCarthy – 7
Had a solid first half, imposing himself on the opposition pack but made way for Ollie Chessum with an injury on 43 minutes. Contributed five carries before he made way.
6. Tadhg Beirne – 9
Simply outstanding and a clear player of the match. Made 23 tackles, seven carries, won three turnovers at vital times and was used well in the lineout. Nicked an early Aussie throw as well. Fully justified Farrell’s faith.
7. Tom Curry – 8
Another who had question marks over selection but was full of purpose and intent. In the right place to score the second try and was involved twice in the build-up to Sheehan’s try. Had seven carries and 10 tackles before making way for Ben Earl. Possibly picked up a wrist injury.
8. Jack Conan – 8
Did a lot of hard work, which allowed other forwards to shine. Was top-carrier for the Lions with 11 and contributed 16 tackles. Won’t have any worries about his place for next Saturday.
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher (for Sheehan 60) – 6.5
Shaky out of touch and, similar to the rest of the replacements, didn’t add to the team.
17. Andrew Porter (for Genge 49) - 6.5
Busy when he came on, got the blame for one penalty concession, made 11 tackles.
18. Will Stuart (for Furlong 58) – 6
Made nine tackles in a solid shift.
19. Ollie Chessum (for McCarthy 43) – 7
Relished the physicality when he came on and made 15 tackles.
20. Ben Earl (for Curry 58) – 6.5
Came on when Aussie were getting on top, made 10 tackles.
23. Bundee Aki (for Tuipulotu 58) – 6
Jackal intervention prevented an Australia try.
Not on long enough to rate
21. Alex Mitchell (for Gibson Park 75)
22. Marcus Smith (for Russell 67)
