A powerful performance!
The Lions took on Australia this morning in the first Test of the 2025 Tour, and several players stood out in the player ratings.
The game finished 27-19 to the tourists, and they were relatively comfortable throughout.
Head coach Andy Farrell came under fire for some controversial selections, but his side showed why he is the man making the big calls.
The Irish cohort were also superb, with one man in particular standing out.
Ellis Genge – 6.5
Struggled at times in the scrum, and had a knock-on.
However, he did show his carrying prowess in some excellent moments.
Dan Sheehan – 8
Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and finished his try nicely.
The lineout was perfect as well.
Tadhg Furlong – 7
The tighthead legend is slowly nearing his best.
Carried well in the tight.
Maro Itoje – 7.5
Another captain’s performance from one of the most consistent players in the squad.
Gives so much confidence for a hooker with his line out presence, and chipped in with 19 tackles.
Joe McCarthy – 7
Big work rate with nine tackles and five carries in just 43 minutes, before going off with what seemed like a niggle.
His pull-back passing was a highlight.
Tadhg Beirne – 9
Andy Farrell once again showing his class as a selector.
He said before the game that the Munster man was someone who had “big games in big games”, and he couldn’t have been proven more right.
There was no surprise that he came away with MOTM, after 23 tackles, a couple of breakdown turnovers, a lineout steal, and a penalty won after holding up a maul.
Tom Curry – 8
Like Beirne, he justified his selection in spades, bringing his trademark physicality, in the tackle, carry, and at the ruck.
Jack Conan – 7.5
Had a relatively quiet game compared to his backrow mates, but made very few errors and didn’t take a backwards step.
Made an impressive 19 tackles.
Jamison Gibson-Park – 8.5
Yet another classy and controlled performance.
Decision making and execution of pass and kicking were close to flawless.
Finn Russell – 8.5
A strong argument for a 9 here, with the Scottish maestro orchestrating his side’s first try and their general dominance.
Had a couple of slightly miscued kicks out of hand, including a cross-field kick to Joe McCarthy which should have resulted in a try.
James Lowe – 5
Saw a lot of ball in the first half, but will be disappointed with the amount of errors he had, including a few poor kicks with the left boot.
Butchered a certain try as well with a big overlap.
Sione Tuipulotu – 7
A solid performance, and showed that the one-two punch with Bundee Aki off the bench is the way to go.
Nearing his peak after his long layoff earlier in the season.
Huw Jones – 7.5
Should have passed to Jamison Gibson-Park before getting a try disallowed for double movement, where he also should have had the presence of mind to release the ball on the ground.
Other than that he was brilliant with ball in hand.
Tommy Freeman – 5.5
Like Lowe, he didn’t see a lot of ball for long periods.
Kicked a few balls out on the full.
Hugo Keenan – 7
So, so assured in the backfield, and makes his covering look so easy.
Did everything right for Max Jorgensen’s try, but the Aussie winger somehow managed to steal the ball from him in the air and score a wonderful solo try.
Replacements:
Andrew Porter – 6.5
Rónan Kelleher – 5
Will Stuart – 6
Ollie Chessum – 6.5
Ben Earl – 7
Alex Mitchell – 6
Marcus Smith – 6.5
Bundee Aki – 7.5
