Player ratings: So close
The Wallabies missed a number of shots at goal and that was the difference as they went down 23-21 to the Lions in Brisbane on Saturday.
A number of injuries during the game meant that Australia had a few players out of position but they kept on pressing for that winning score.
A Kurtley Beale slip gave the Lions the win as he pulled his kick wide in the dying minutes of the game.
Nick Tatham rates the Australian players!
15 Berrick Barnes
Went off just before the half-time with a concussion. A few aimless kicks and missed the tackle on George North when he scored the first try for the Lions.
5/10
14 Israel Folau
What an incredible debut! His impact on rugby union has, arguably, been better than Sonny-Bill Williams. Scored twice in the first-half but did fall away a little in the second-half. Always gets over the advantage line and will make that Wallabies jersey his own.
8/10
13 Adam Ashley-Cooper
Had limited opportunities in a tight Test match. Didn't have the opportunity to showcase his skills but kept O'Driscoll under wraps.
6/10
12 Christian Leali'ifano
Went off in the first minute of the game. Not enough time to be rated.
11 Digby Ioane
Got involved in the play even though he did not see a lot of ball. Had a few runs but wasn't able to make his usual impact at Suncorp.
5/10
10 James O'Connor
Very quiet in the first-half. Took time to get into the game and seemed to be more at ease when Beale came onto the field. Missed a couple of crucial kicks at goal. Was not supposed to kick at goal but was given the kicking duties after Lealiifano got injured.
5/10
9 Will Genia
Some incredible vision in the first Folau try when he took the quick tap in his own half. A great try saving tackle on Jonathan Davies and he out-played Mike Phillips completely.
7/10
8 Wycliff Palu
Was not mentioned often by the commentators but got through a lot of work in the open. Lacked a bit from the base of the scrum but was industrious around the park. Cleaned well and was solid in the support.
6/10
7 Michael Hooper
Was unfortunate when he had to move to centre because of injury. Missed an important tackle in the centres but on the openside was very good. Hw knows that Gill is pushing him and he stood up.
6.5/10
6 Ben Mowen
Long awaited debut and was very solid. He is at home at Test rugby level. He did the basics very well and in the second-half started opening his play up. Tackled well and the blindside is not a foreign place for him. Pushing for that No.8 jersey.
7/10
5 James Horwill (captain)
Was very solid around the field. He leads from the front and today was another example. Does his work without a lot of praise.
6.5/10
4 Kane Douglas
Justified his selection in the side. Was great at the line-out and made his presence felt around the park.
6.5/10
3 Ben Alexander
Was a little shaky at the scrum but made up for it in his open play. Really works hard at the ruck and it was a good day at the office for the Brumbies man.
6/10
2 Stephen Moore
Really stood up in such a big game. He has been playing some phenomenal rugby this year and deserved to play the full 80 minutes. His basics are realyl good and is one of the more underrated Wallabies players.
7/10
1 Benn Robinson
Carried the ball well and was very present in the loose. He battled a little at the scrum against a good Lions pack but made up for it around the pitch.
5.5/10
Replacements:
16 Saia Fainga'a
Was not used.
17 James Slipper (on for Robinson, 69th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Sekope Kepu (on for Alexander, 58th minute)
Was massive in the scrum and along with Moore and Slipper won the penalty that should have won them the game. Made his presence felt around the pitch.
6.5/10
19 Rob Simmons (on for Douglas, 69th minute)
Not enough time to be rated
20 Liam Gill (on for McCabe, 47th minute)
Won a couple of turnovers and was all over the pitch. Really pushing Hooper for the No.7 jersey.
7/10
21 Nick Phipps (on for Ashley-Cooper, 76th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Pat McCabe (on for Lealiifano, 1st minute)
Was solid at centre. Carried the ball well but was unfortunate to go off with a neck injury after 47 minutes.
5 /1 0
23 Kurtley Beale (on for Barnes, 38th minute)
Really looks like he hasn't missed a beat. Kicked a great penalty to bring Australia within two points but was so unfortunate to slip as he took a shot at goal at the death. He is back to his best – we hope.
6.5/10
