Wallabies toppled in series opener as Lions dominate first Test at Suncorp Stadium
The British and Irish Lions have drawn first blood, taking the first Test against the Wallabies - despite a moment of magic from Australian youngster Max Jorgensen.
THE British & Irish Lions came boasting of a 3-0 series whitewash, and on the evidence of their first up win they have every right to believe they’ll leave Australia’s shores with that piece of history.
The 27-19 scoreline makes it seem closer than what this contest really was.
The Wallabies produced a reel of bloopers, and only their tremendous spirit made this result less than a blowout.
All heart, but no execution was the theme again in front of a sold-out Suncorp Stadium of 52,229 fans, mostly wearing red.
Dropped balls, missed tackles, lost lineouts, and this time even giving away a penalty in possession for obstruction was on the Wallabies production list in Brisbane.
The Lions will walk away feeling like they left 20 points out there.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson’s strong charges weren’t enough, with the other forwards failing to physically dominate their rivals.
“Nothing changes, to win this series you have to win two games and that is what we have to do next week,” Wilson said.
The Wallabies desperately need Rob Valetini and Will Skelton back for their heft and punch.
Holding a 17-5 half-time lead, the Lions took just 79 seconds to cross in the second.
A wayward lineout throw by Matt Faessler was captured by Tom Curry, sparking a break. The patient Lions went through the hands out wide and hooker Dan Sheehan barged over in the corner despite Harry Potter’s desperate effort to take him into touch.
Finn Russell’s conversion made it 24-5.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii thought he’d scored his first Test try in the 60th minute, but replays showed been tackled and dragged into the in-goal by Lions players without releasing the ball, reversing the decision from try to Lions penalty.
After sustained pressure on the Lions’ line, replacement backrower Carlo Tizzano powered over for Australia’s second try in the 68th minute, just two minutes after taking the field for debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny.
The 24-12 scoreline created the possibility of Australia snatching a win with two late converted tries, but as per script, another blunder from a backline spread made the Lions’ job easier. From the ensuing possession they earned a breakdown penalty, and Marcus Smith’s kick from in front put the visitors ahead 27-12.
Respectability was put on the board when Tate McDermott turned and twisted his way over the line from the ruck base with two minutes to play. Ben Donaldson’s conversion was the final score of the game.
The warning signs were apparent when player of the match Tadhg Beirne won a breakdown penalty just 19 seconds into the game and the Lions had a 3-0 lead before many of their fans had settled into the seats.
“Delighted for the team after an incredible win. We knew it would be a battle,” he said.
“I just wanted to put my best foot forward for my teammates.
“I thought our defence was very good for the most part.
“We conceded a few penalties there and I think Australia will take a lot of confidence from that.
“We will need to take a look at that and fix those errors.
”The goal is to win every game here.”
Melbourne’s own Sione Tuipulotu just had to be the man to score the first try of the series, firing a make-believe missile into the stands after touching down in the ninth minute.
A Lions assault on Australia’s line saw their defence stretched to the left. Russell went right and threw a marvellous cut-out pass that missed four of his players and found Tuipulotu with a clear run to the line.
The Wallabies’ first meaningful raid into Lions territory, in the 17th minute, went 12 phases before they turned over possession. Two minutes later the Lions thought they were celebrating their second try when centre Huw Jones crashed over, but after a TMO referral it was ruled he’d been tackled by Max Jorgensen and not released the ball before getting up and diving over the line.
Australia won a crucial scrum penalty in the 27th minute, allowing them to get move upfield.
As they edged towards the opposition 22, Jake Gordon put up a scrumbase high kick and Jorgensen out-leapt Hugo Keenan then outpaced Russell to the line for an outstanding solo try.
Tom Lynagh missed the sideline conversion, but all of a sudden the Wallabies fans had found their voice.
It was silenced six minutes later when the Lions forced their way into the Wallabies quarter and from an offside penalty opted for a quick tap, such was their confidence.
A few hit-ups into the teeth of Australia’s defence, flanker Curry quickly scooped the ball from the ruck and crashed through for the Lions’ second try four minutes before the break.
They head to Melbourne for the second Test next Saturday and the Wallabies have the usual list of headaches to sort through over the next seven days.
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Originally published as Wallabies toppled in series opener as Lions dominate first Test at Suncorp Stadium
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