First blood to the Lions in Brisbane
The British and Irish Lions claimed a 27-19 win in the first Test in Brisbane in a gritty tussle which saw Australia surpass many critics’ expectations.
It was three tries apiece at the Suncorp stadium with the Lions’ eight-point margin the result of more accurate kicking off the tee by Finn Russell and latterly Marcus Smith.
The Lions won ugly. Their hosts enjoyed more than three quarters of the possession across the 80 minutes.
Spending so much more time defending explained why in the final 10 minutes Maro Itoje’s men looked dead on their feet, and allowed a soft try to replacement Aussie scrumhalf Tate McDermott who darted over from a poorly marshalled ruck.
Finn Russell world class
From the first whistle, the Lions made their intent clear. Tommy Freeman’s blistering run broke Australian lines and Finn Russell ran the game like a general – calm under fire, ruthless in execution.
Itoje, the skipper, led from the front in a match where the strategy – spending most of the time without the ball – was wrong, but the result, for the Lions, was right.
The Wallabies landed blows through Max Jorgensen, who brilliantly tore a landing high ball from Lions fullback Hugo Keenan. Carlo Tizzo crossed too, and debutant fly-half Tom Lynagh added a few with the boot.
But when the game tightened, it was the Lions who owned the collisions, the breakdown and, crucially, the scoreboard. Tadhg Beirne’s second-half try and Marcus Smith’s late penalty extended the points gap enough to seal the win.
Second test: Expect savvier tactics from both sides
The series now heads to Melbourne where we can expect Australia to prosecute a tougher case bolstered by the return of their heavy-hitters.
For the Lions, coach Andy Farrell will no doubt tweak the strategy to involve more time with ball in hand, unleashing the various galacticos in his backs division with the aim of making Australia as tired in defence as the Lions were in Brisbane today.
Win again, of course, and the Lions seal the series. Lose, and the third test in Sydney the week after becomes an epic.
West Midlands buzzing
Back home, the bars of Birmingham were buzzing for the 11am BST kick-off. From grassroots clubs in Dudley to diehard fans in Solihull, those in the know were in position with pints poured.
Next Saturday, for the Melbourne test, kick-off is at the earlier time of 9.30am. Don’t forget.
Australia (5 HT) 19
Tries: Jorgensen, Tizzano, McDermott Cons: Donaldson 2
British and Irish Lions (17 HT) 27
Tries: Tuipulotu, Curry, Sheehan Cons: Russell 3 Pens: Russell, M Smith
