LIONS RUGBY WATCH
Lions and Scottish flyhalf Finn Russell showed his class in front of a sold-out stadium to guide the visitors to an early lead before a try from Max Jorgensen kept the Wallabies in the contest.
Tries on either side of half-time gave the Lions a lead that the Wallabies were unable to claw back despite two late tries by the hosts.
Statistics for the game showed the Wallabies dominated possession and territory (57% apiece) but struggled to make metres (299 to the Lions’ 439), made only three clean breaks to the Lions’ 9, made less tackles (154-207) but missed more (31 to 18) and conceded more turnovers (16-13) and penalties (11-7).
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt told media that he is looking for a better performance from his team as they head to Melbourne for the second Test.
TUESDAY GAME
The Lions will now play a First Nations-Pasifika XV side in their final provincial match of the tour in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Players from First Nations, Samoan, Fijian, Tongan, Māori, and Cook Island cultures are all set to be represented in the team.
Inaugural captain and former Wallaby Kurtley Beale returns from injury at flyhalf to play in his second Lions series (which falls 12 years apart).
The team has 10 players with international experience – nine former Wallabies and a Fijian – with nearly all the squad having already faced the Lions on tour.
Fijian Drua duo Mesake Vocevoce and Mesake Doge, as well as 21-capped Wallaby Rob Leota will come off the bench while the pack features five Wallabies; Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Taniela Tupou will pack down in the front row.
Lukhan Salakia-Loto backs up from the AUNZ game in Adelaide to partner former Wallaby Darcy Swain in the second row. The loose forwards are Seru Uru, Charlie Gamble and Tuaina Taii Tualima.
David Feliuai and Lalakai Foketi will partner in the centres, supported by a Brumbies bench of Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni and Jarrah McLeod.
The combined squad features 278 caps of experience and is coached by former Wallaby Toutai Kefu, aided by former All Black Tana Umaga.
