GIO Stadium in Canberra had a big crowd on hand for Wednesday’s game. Photo: GIO Stadium
LIONS RUGBY WATCH
The British & Irish Lions were in too much control when it mattered in their 36-24 win over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Wednesday night.
The Lions struck with tries on either side of the break to pull away after conceding the lead early own.
The hosts’ eight-man pack were about 200kg lighter than the visitors and the Brumbies struggled in one-on-one situations during the game.
As a near full-house and their Wallabies contingent watching, the Brumbies struck first in the fourth minute with an unconverted try to Tuaina Taii Tualima. 5-0.
The visitors settled and flanker Ollie Cheesum scored after a Brumbies mistake gave them the field position for an unconverted try. 5-5.
Winger James Lowe was denied a try seven minutes later by a tackle from Andy Muirhead but still scored a converted try shortly afterwards. 12-5.
The Brumbies retaliated when a pass from Ben O’Donnell sent Corey Toole in for unconverted try. 12-10.
Just before the break, a Brumbies short goal-line dropout allowed Englishman Marcus Smith to dive over to set up a 19-10 lead at the break.
SECOND HALF
After play resumed, Ireland’s Garry Ringrose scored off a kick ahead from Smith. 26-10.
Creighton’s converted try then reduced the gap to 26-17.
Scot Finn Russell then kicked a penalty goal to extend their lead before former Brumby and Canberra-born Mack Hansen came on for the Lions. 29-17.
A rolling maul try to Josh van der Flier secured the result with 13 minutes to go. 36-17.
Liam Bowron crashed over for the Brumbies for the final points of the game. 36-24.
Hansen, who is based in and plays for Ireland, said after the game that it had been an emotional homecoming for him.
The Lions now head to Adelaide to take on an AUNZ invitational side, comprising of Australian and New Zealand players, this Saturday.
