B&I Lions won the 'big moments'
REACTION: The British and Irish Lions’ quest for a 3-0 Test series domination of the Wallabies for the first time in 121 years remains in play.
It is not just the result of the opening Test at Lang Park, in Brisbane, a 27-19 win by the B&I Lions, but the fact there is still a lot of improvement left in the visitors after it appeared they would run away with Saturday night’s match.
A relentless British and Irish Lions were ferocious in attack and solid in defence to edge a dogged Australia left touring captain Maro Itoje “delighted”.
The tourists repeatedly laid siege to the Wallabies line for a 17-5 lead at the break before soaking up second-half pressure to bank the win with both sides scoring three tries.
A late Australia try in front of 52,229 fans, many wearing Lions red, meant the scoreline flattered a ragged Wallabies side, with Andy Farrell’s team never in serious trouble.
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“We’re delighted with the win, the game was a tough Test match,” said Itoje.
“I thought we started well, the first half we played a lot of good stuff.
“Then the second half was a bit too and fro from both sides.
“There’s stuff to work on and the coaches are going to have a hard look at that game and there’s going to be some really good things that we can take out of it.”
With Scottish flyhalf Finn Russell pulling the strings in the backs and outstanding loose forwards Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne dominating up front, the Lions showed why they were firm favourites.
But despite being behind for all of the match, the Wallabies refused to roll over and fears of a huge defeat never materialised.
“It’s disappointing, we came here wanting to win,” said Australia captain Harry Wilson.
“I feel as if we probably didn’t get our game going like we would have liked, but our lines were good, and credit to them.
“They won a few big moments, and that’s something we want to do, and make sure we do next week.”
The second clash in the three-Test series is scheduled for Melbourne next weekend.
