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BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
In pictures: How the Lions fought their way to victory in Melbourne
, Tommy Freeman was sent to the sin-bin for an incident in the build-up to the first Australia try - the Wallabies scored twice more while he was off the field
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Hugo Keenan's touch of class and what else we learned from the Lions' second Test win over Australia
Discipline swing proves vital to Lions' comeback Discipline can win and lose games. This Test match reinforced that notion. For the first 25 minutes it looked like it would scupper the Lions chances of getting the series-winning victory. Andy Farrell's side conceded three penalties in the first 10 minutes, six by the 22nd minute, the last of which cost the tourists a player, as right wing Tommy Freeman received a yellow card for cumulative team offences. Australia won that period 12-0, led by 18 points at one stage but it was the home side that were left to rue their transgressions in a costly period before the interval. They gave the Lions access to their half and the visitors helped themselves to a couple of tries. In the final 58 minutes of the match the Lions conceded just three penalties, and it was that improvement in discipline that was crucial especially in a fraught finale. Dan Sheehan lifts up Tadhg Furlong as they celebrate the victory over Australia. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Lions' scrum dominance finally pays off Australia won the penalty count at the scrum 3-0 last week but in Melbourne the Lions flipped that statistic on its head. There would have been a huge frustration in the Lions' changing room at half-time that their 'dominance' at scrum time in the opening 40 minutes wasn't rewarded to a greater extent than the single penalty that they were awarded. Referee Andrea Piardi was content at times to encourage the ball to be played, even when the 16 bodies lunged to earth. He was also happy to go for multiple resets which was at odds with Ben O'Keeffe's style of officiating in the first Test. READ MORE Whatever scrum coach John Fogarty and the pack discussed at half-time from a technical perspective it had the desired effect. The two penalties and a free-kick were so important in the context of ensuring the Lions were able to get field position at crucial times. Australia's Tate McDermott is tackled by Jamison Gibson-Park of the Lions during the second Test at the MCG. Photograph:6-2 split backfires after Potter injury How many times nowadays do you see a coach opt for a 6-2 split on the bench only for the gambit to backfire. It's probably worth a case study, to see how fate reacts when tempted in these circumstances. Australian coach Joe Schmidt opted for that format among the replacements, picking six forwards, with scrumhalf Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson covering the backline. It was Sod's law that the Wallabies would then lose right wing Harry Potter to injury early in the first half. It completely skewed what Schmidt could then do to maybe change up matters in the second half. No one would fault McDermott's attitude or application but there were a couple of tackles in the second half that he failed to stick, while also trying to play a Test match in an unfamiliar position. How much it compromised the Aussies' attack and defence will only be known to those in a gold and green jumper. Australia secondrow Will Skelton runs at Dan Sheehan during the second Test. Photograph:Departure of Skelton and Valetini hit Wallaby power game The expression 'small margins' can be a bit of a sporting cliche but when Joe Schmidt and his players reflect on the 29-26 defeat at the MCG they might be tempted to curse fortune or fate. Looking at the manner in which Australia started the game, the power of their carrying, the fluency, nuance and skills they displayed on a counterattack and the ruthless manner in which they exploited a one-man advantage, they will rue not only conceding two tries in the blink of an eye before half-time but the loss of two huge players, Rob Valetini and Will Skelton, who had helped the Wallabies dominate up to that point. Their physicality in the first half was pivotal to the Aussie dominance and losing Valetini at half-time and Skelton early in the second half definitely hurt the home side's chances. Australia beat 41 defenders to the Lions 20 and made 11 line-breaks to six; so perhaps looking at what they didn't do might uncover more answers. Hugo Keenan goes over to secure victory for the British and Irish Lions against Australia in the second Test at the MCG. Photograph:Keenan shows that class is permanent Hugo Keenan's try to win the Test series provided a lovely redemptive moment for a player who has made a Test match career in being consistently excellent. His lapses in the game against the Waratahs were completely out of character, so to learn that he had a gastro bug, spent way too much time running to a toilet and lost six kilograms, explained why he was off-colour that day, literally and figuratively. There were moments in this second Test where he enjoyed some pivotal interventions, saving a 50/22, emblematic of the manner in which he covered every blade of grass, his aerial work, ability to do the right thing – twice in the Huw Jones try – and then that little 'Sevens shimmy,' to get Len Ikitau to sit down on his heels and then beat the Aussie centre to the angle and the try-line. No more deserving person to have the final say.
Irish Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Lions player ratings: Keenan and Gibson-Park among the star turns as bench impresses
15 Hugo Keenan Won the Test series for the Lions in the 78th minute with a try. Good under the high ball for the most part, a couple of great clearance kicks, try-scoring pass for Huw Jones's try. Brilliant save to keep the ball from going over the touchline for 50/22. Rating: 8 14 Tommy Freeman He received a yellow card purely based on team transgressions. It was his muscular carry that had a pivotal impact in the build-up to the Tom Curry try. Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball; he just didn't get it often enough. Rating: 7 13 Huw Jones Took his try well but it was a tough night as the Aussie midfield profited and dominated from their team's gainline dominance in the first half. The Scot was called ashore before the halfway mark in the second half. Rating: 5 Bundee Aki runs away from Australia's Jake Gordon during the second test in Melbourne. Photograph: William West/AFP via Getty Images 12 Bundee Aki Done by Joseph Suaalii for Tom Wright's try, but produced a towering second-half display, highlighted by a superb break in the build-up to the Tadhg Beirne try. One of the few players to win the physical collisions. Had to switch to defend 13 channel and was gritty. Rating: 6 READ MORE 11 James Lowe A catalyst for the Tadhg Beirne try with a typical fend and pass but otherwise it was a bit scruffy at times, bit in on tackles, a knock-on in the air, and over-chased and let Tom Wright escape from his 22. Never really got any meaningful ball in attack. Rating: 5 Jamison Gibson-Park, Bundee Aki and Finn Russell celebrate the Lions victory at the MCG. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire 10 Finn Russell At his mercurial best at times with some wonderful line-kicking that gave his side the perfect lineout platform from which to attack. It was his capacity to get the ball to the right places and maximise the quick ball for a 30-minute period in the middle of the match that made the difference. Rating: 8 9 Jamison Gibson-Park Outstanding as the team's attacking metronome, his decision-making, range of passing, kicking game and vision was first class, one example of which was his superb work in spotting a mismatch for Tom Curry's try. Rating: 8 1 Andrew Porter Slightly surprising that he was taken off when he was because of his impact in general play and in helping the Lions to scrum dominance that should have been rewarded to a greater extent. His tackling was first class. Rating: 7 Dan Sheehan goes aerial to score the Lions' first try against Australia. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho 2 Dan Sheehan Not only a clever understanding of the laws to dive over for his try but knew from his previous tap penalty that the Aussie tacklers went low. Twice involved in the Tom Curry try, superb throwing and robust defence. Rating: 7 3 Tadhg Furlong Took a cheap shot from Will Skelton but thereafter produced a diligent, focused and highly effective performance, particularly in the tight exchanges when carrying but also in his tackling, which was good technically. Rating: 7 4 Maro Itoje (capt) The game's official man-of-the-match, he recovered from conceding two early penalties to lead his team by deed as much as anything else. He worked more smartly in the second half and was a breakdown threat. Rating: 7 5 Ollie Chessum (England) Couldn't fault his work-rate and application when it came to defence but didn't quite feature as much on the other side of the ball in terms of testing the tackle or in support play. A solid performance. Rating: 6 Tadhg Beirne scores the Lions' fourth try at the MCG. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho 6 Tadhg Beirne Another Herculean effort, initially in trying to shore up the holes that the Aussies punched in the Lions defence and thereafter in fighting for every inch at the breakdown. One break, and a measured finish to power over for his try. Rating: 7 7 Tom Curry He was having a brilliant game when replaced in the second half, one penalty concession aside. He stuck his tackles – one of Joseph Suaalii saved a try – and made himself a nuisance at the breakdown. Rating: 7 8 Jack Conan He had the ball knocked from his grasp in the act of what should have been a try-scoring moment but outside of that he had another super display, in winning the gainline with his carrying and showed great hands for the Tom Curry try. Rating: 7 Ellis Genge is tackled Billy Pollard and Langi Gleeson of Australia. Photograph:Replacements Completely different impact from last week, the bench had a pivotal influence on the end game providing energy and dynamism, none more so than Ellis Genge who was brilliant. The scrum won crucial penalties, but everyone made a difference when it mattered. Rating: 8 Head coach: Andy Farrell Andy Farrell will have been aghast with his team's passive performance, especially in losing the collisions in the first 25 minutes but his team rallied to score two tries before half-time and in a fraught finale watched Hugo Keenan forge a famous win. Rating: 7
Irish Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Lions player ratings: Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne impress in first Test win over Wallabies
Lions Tour, first Test: Lions 27 Australia 19 Hugo Keenan Although beaten in the air by Max Jorgensen for a try, his aerial work was assured for the most part, he covered the backfield to deny the Aussies kicking options, tackled and was composed in his passing. Rating: 7 Tommy Freeman Reasonably good aerially but two poor kicks – one chip, one long kick out on the full – and a turnover from trying to force a pass late on in the second half meant that it was a patchy display. He didn't really get any ball in attack. Rating: 6 READ MORE Huw Jones Might have passed for his try that was disallowed with Jamison Gibson-Park unmarked on his inside. Some lovely touches in attack and didn't give the Aussies any space on the rare occasions that they had a chance to attack. Rating: 7 Huw Jones in action for the Lions. Photograph:Sione Tuipulotu A run-in try, courtesy of his team-mates' work and especially the lovely cut-out pass from his outhalf. Strong in contact and used his footwork to cause problems for the Wallaby defenders. Rating: 8 James Lowe Good kick/chase for the most part in winning tap backs, great step in tackle on Joseph Suaalii, nice fend for the Huw Jones try that was disallowed, try saving intervention too but some glitches in kicking and in not passing for a nailed-on try. Rating: 7 Finn Russell The attacking linchpin that the Lions would have wished for, the Scot controlled the game superbly, varying the point of attack, composed yet providing the touches of flair for which he is synonymous none more so than the pass for Sione Tuipulotu try. Instincts were spot on to play or to kick. Rating: 8 Finn Russell during the first Test against the Wallabies. Photograph:Jamison Gibson-Park Turning box-kicking into an art form, it guaranteed a lucrative return for his team. Great identification of space for one try his decision-making in general was first. Kept his team moving forward and ensured a great tempo. Rating: 9 Ellis Genge Superb power through contact in his carries, gave his team front-foot ball and on a couple of occasions made significant post contact metres, an example of which was evident in the build up to the Tom Curry try. One scrum penalty conceded but super shift. Rating: 8 Dan Sheehan A typically excellent all-round display, it started with his lineout throwing, great footwork and pace to beat tacklers, one maul turnover and to cap off his display, finishing off a Lions counterattack with a try. Rating: 8 Dan Sheehan celebrates scoring a try for the Lions. Photograph: David Davies/PA Tadhg Furlong Close to his best, excellent footwork and power in contact, took him over the gain-line regularly, while he hit his quota of rucks and contributed in a voracious similar manner in his tackling, one high clear-out notwithstanding. Rating: 8 Maro Itoje (capt) Worked hard on behalf of his team, performed a lot of the menial tasks that allowed others to play but by his lofty standards this will have been a little underwhelming. He can be happy with the win but not the second half performance. Rating: 7 Joe McCarthy The concern is that he might have picked up an injury given his early departure in the second half but when he was on the pitch he was excellent, physical but also in using his underrated footwork. He was mobile, powerful and dynamic and nearly scored a try. Rating: 8 Tadhg Beirne Team's leading tackler (22), won penalties and turnovers (three) at the breakdown, claimed two lineouts, nicked one on the Wallabies throw. An absolutely outstanding performance from a brilliant rugby player that was long on quality and work-rate. Rating: 9 Tom Curry Eight carries, seven of which he took over the gain-line, 11 tackles half of which half were dominant, scored a try and had a double assist in that of Dan Sheehan's. Went into the game with a little chat about his selection, left it with no further debate required. Rating: 9 Jack Conan in action for the Lions against the Wallabies. Photograph:Jack Conan It was his diligence and honesty on both sides of the ball that allowed his team-mates to go off and do their thing. He carried slow ball over the gain-line, hit rucks, and made tackles in a productive, hard-working display. Rating: 8 Replacements They wouldn't have had the impact that Andy Farrell would have hoped for and it was Australia that benefited to a far greater extent from their bench. The home side dominated for much of the last quarter of the game. Rating: 6 Coach Andy Farrell got his selection right in terms of his starting team with the backrow of Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry and Jack Conan especially prominent. Happy with the win, he will drill into the detail of a substandard final quarter. Rating: 8
Sydney Morning Herald
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why the Lions have a 16-point advantage against the Wallabies
12. Len Ikitau: One of the best midfielders in the world, so the hope is the Wallabies use him more than as a battering ram. Rating: 8 11. Harry Potter: Will have his hands full against Tommy Freeman, and may have been picked due to his ability under the high ball. Rating: 6 10. Tom Lynagh: Has a calm head, but this is an enormous step up for a 22-year-old in his first Wallabies start. A concern. Rating: 6 9. Jake Gordon: The 32-year-old is a proven performer, but has no form to speak of and Ryan Lonergan's excellent game for the Brumbies against the Lions has put the spotlight on the Wallabies' selections at No. 9. Rating: 7 8. Harry Wilson: Loved his toughness and mentality to literally drag his side across the line against Fiji, but probably needs an all-time performance in Brisbane. Rating: 7 7. Fraser McReight: Form hasn't been as good compared to last year, when he was arguably the best player in Super Rugby Pacific. The Wallabies need him to find that top gear. Rating: 8 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny: As tough as they come, but a questionable selection ahead of Tom Hooper. Rating: 6 5. Nick Frost: The tallest man on the field needs to get up and challenge the Lions at lineout time, an area where he caused so much disruption during Super Rugby Pacific. Rating: 7 4. Jeremy Williams: His work rate is exceptional, but the suspicion is that the Lions have the upper hand in power through the scrum and through contact. Rating: 6 Loading 3. Allan Alaalatoa: A mixed Test against Fiji from a scrummaging perspective, and will be attacked by the Lions. Probably the most important player on the field because if the Wallabies can't hold the scrum the Lions will feed off it. Rating: 7 2. Matt Faessler: Underdone after an injury-affected Reds campaign. Highly capable at Super Rugby level, but rival hooker Dan Sheehan is a bigger body. Rating: 6 1. James Slipper: Another contentious selection. Is Angus Bell carrying a niggle? Easily one of the toughest Wallabies of the professional era, but this is a big ask of a 36-year-old. Rating: 6 Wallabies total: 156 (average 6.8 a player) British and Irish Lions 15. Hugo Keenan: A class act, but is in the team due to injuries to others, and his form isn't where it was a few years ago. Rating: 7 14. Tommy Freeman: One of the outstanding athletes in the Lions squad. Big, tall, strong and a proven Test finisher for England. Rating: 7 13. Huw Jones: Arguably the most impressive back on tour so far. Jones has played his way into the Test side and his sheer size will pose problems. Rating: 8 12. Sione Tuipulotu: Must have been a close selection call ahead of Bundee Aki, and has arguably been helped by the form of his Scotland partner Jones. Looked dangerous with ball in hand against the Waratahs. Rating: 7 11. James Lowe: Has the ability to break your heart in numerous ways, not least with his big left boot. New Zealand Rugby was wrong to let him go. Rating: 8 10. Finn Russell: The Scot is flying and has arrived in Australia full of confidence after guiding Bath to the Premiership title. Has been putting himself about in defence, too. Rating: 9 9. Jamison Gibson-Park: Will set the tempo for the Lions attack, and possibly has been holding something back for the first Test in terms of his running game. One of the world's best when in top form. Rating: 8 8. Jack Conan: There is no doubt the Lions lost something when Ireland's Caelan Doris was ruled out with injury. Conan has been solid so far, but he's a big man and his selection points to a brutal Lions game plan. Rating: 7 7. Tom Curry: Tough openside never plays with anything but total commitment and is a menace at the breakdown. Rating: 8 6. Tadhg Beirne: On his day he's one of the world's best, but his form on this tour has been underwhelming by his standards. Needs a big Test to justify selection. Rating: 6 5. Joe McCarthy: Powerhouse second-rower has been selected to drive home where the Lions believe they have the clearest advantage – up front. Rating: 7 4. Maro Itoje: Impressive England captain is one of those players who can impose himself on a Test due to the strength of his all-round game. Rating: 8 3. Tadhg Furlong: The veteran has improved vastly since his first outing against Argentina before the tour proper got under way. Was underdone then but looks determined to make a scrum statement now. Rating: 8 Loading 2. Dan Sheehan: A world-class hooker who can do it all. Watch out for him hugging the touchline to show his athleticism. Rating: 9 1. Ellis Genge: Made a name for himself as a powerful ball carrier, but his scrummaging has improved markedly in recent years. Rating: 7 Replacements: Ronan Kelleher 6, Andrew Porter 8, Will Stuart 7, Ollie Chessum 8, Ben Earl 7, Alex Mitchell 7, Marcus Smith 7, Bundee Aki 8
