FILE … The Lions rugby team remain undefeated as NSW defied pre-match predictions of a thumping defeat. Photo courtesy of ANDREW KACIMAIWAI.
Despite pre-match predictions of a flogging, NSW pushed the touring British & Irish Lions rugby team in their 21-10 loss in Sydney on Saturday.
Online sports forums were full of fans comments about the likelihood of a record defeat for the Waratahs in the days and hours leading up to the game.
But Charlie Gamble and Darby Lancaster led the way as the home side’s defence posed problems marred by poor handling in front of a 40,000-plus crowd.
For the Lions, Scotland centre Huw Jones bagged a double while scrum-half Alex Mitchell was named player-of-the-match.
The Scottish-Glasgow combination of Sione Tuipulotu and Jones opened the scoring when Jones was sent through for his try off a pass from the former Melbourne Rebels player.
The Lions maintained pressure through their scrum but the work of Charlie Gamble kept the Waratahs in the game at the breakdown.
The Lions led 14-5 at the break after Lancaster bulldozed over covering defence for an unconverted try.
The Waratahs resumed the scoring after hooker Ethan Dobbins touched down from a rolling maul for another unconverted try. 14-10.
Another error set the Lions up for Mitchell to dummy past defenders to dive over to extend the lead. 21-10.
The Lions head to Canberra to play the ACT Brumbies on Wednesday.
MELBOURNE GEARS UP
Victoria’s Minister for Tourism Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos says a family fan zone will operate at Federation Square from July 23-25 which includes autograph sessions with players.
Fans can also visit a free site in Yarra Park on Test day (July 25) for pre-game entertainment, food and drinks vans and Q&A sessions with past and present players.
Victoria is the only state to host two consecutive Lions games – against a First Nations/Pasifika side at Marvel Stadium on July 22 and the second Test against the Wallabies at the MCG on July 26.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh says the Lions have a long history with Victoria.
“The Lions have been thrilling crowds in Melbourne since 1888 and this year’s tour is shaping up as their biggest ever,” he says.
“We couldn’t be more excited for a huge week in Melbourne in July.”
“The Wallabies love playing in Melbourne, as their recent record of success against the Lions demonstrates, and the second Test at the MCG will be a highlight of the tour.”
- The Lions tour began in 1888 with a 249-day tour of Australia and New Zealand.
- The 1888 Lions played 35 games; 18 of them Australian rules matches.
- They won 27, drew six and lost two.
- The Lions lost skipper Robert Seddon on that tour who drowned on the Hunter River and who is buried at Maitland.
- The current Lions squad and Australian rugby officials recently visited his grave to lay wreaths.
