A poor performance overall…..
The Lions edged out the Waratahs 21-10 in Sydney, in what was a scrappy and disappointing performance, with few standouts.
We have gone for 6.5 for an average performance, with no super high scores, given the standard of the opposition.
Pierre Schoeman – 7.5
Scrummaged brilliantly in the first half, getting the better of Taniela Tupou.
Has brought himself back into Test contention.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 7
A good performance with the lineout and scrum going well, but not enough to get ahead of Rónan Kelleher for the backup Test jersey.
Impressive work rate to notch up 10 tackles in 50 minutes.
Finlay Bealham – 7
Was part of a dominant scrum for the Lions.
Still very much in the running to start against the Wallabies.
Scott Cummings – 7.5
A very impressive and industrious performance.
Complete turnaround from the Western Force game.
James Ryan – 6.5
While he didn’t have a poor game, he will be disappointed that he did not put pressure on Joe McCarthy or Maro Itoje.
Tadhg Beirne – 6
Another quiet performance from the Munster titan.
His Test jersey is slipping from his grasp, game by game.
Josh van der Flier – 7.5
Another tireless display in defence, with 17 tackles.
Ben Earl – 7.5
Carried superbly, making 114 metres, but made a few costly errors in the first half.
Alex Mitchell – 7.5
He had a weak opening 40 but was the Lions’ best player after the break, creating numerous breaks and taking his try with incredible class.
Fin Smith – 6.5
Failed to put his stamp on the game from an attacking sense, but did knock over his goal kicks.
Blair Kinghorn – 6.5
Saw very little ball throughout the game.
He needed the minutes and will be raring to have a go in his best position of fullback.
Sione Tuipulotu – 7
Another good showing in his native land from Scotland’s maverick, without setting the game on fire.
Huw Jones – 8
A super performance from Jones.
Took both of his tries brilliantly.
Mack Hansen – 6.5
A middling showing from the Connacht wing.
Did well cleaning up some scrappy ball.
Hugo Keenan – 5.5
A crucial game for the Leinster man, in his first match of the tour.
Dropped a few high balls and missed the tackle which led to a disallowed try for the Waratahs.
Replacements:
Dan Sheehan – 7
Ellis Genge – 7
Tadhg Furlong – 7
Joe McCarthy – 6.5
Duhan van der Merwe – 6
Jac Morgan – 6.5
Ben White – 6
Marcus Smith – 6.5
