Lions Hang On But Few Players Push Test Claims

The British and Irish Lions narrowly escaped a fierce challenge from the First Nations and Pasifika XV, securing a 24-19 victory in a bruising encounter at Marvel Stadium. While the win maintained the tourists’ unbeaten record on Australian soil, few players convincingly staked their claim for selection in the crucial second Test.

A Promising Start Derailed

The Lions stormed into an early 14-0 lead, capitalizing on disciplined execution and a numerical advantage. Fullback Jamie Osborne showcased his attacking instincts, pouncing on a clever chip from captain Owen Farrell before racing over for the opening try. Fin Smith added the extras, and within minutes, the Lions struck again—this time through Scotland’s Darcy Graham, whose blistering pace saw him finish a sweeping backline move.

However, joy quickly turned to despair for Graham. After cementing his reputation as a clinical finisher, he limped off injured, his night ending prematurely amid visible frustration. His departure marked a turning point, as First Nations and Pasifika launched a ferocious comeback.

Physical Pasifika Fight Back

The hosts’ power game came to the fore as wing Triston Reilly punished a loose Blair Kinghorn pass, sprinting clear for their first try. Kurtley Beale’s conversion narrowed the gap, and soon after, flanker Seru Uru muscled over following relentless forward pressure. By halftime, the score was locked at 14-14—a testament to Pasifika’s relentless physicality and defensive resilience.

The Lions’ struggles mounted when James Ryan was sin-binned for collapsing a maul, further exposing their faltering momentum. Had Jack Debreczeni possessed more gas after intercepting another Kinghorn pass, the Lions might have trailed at the break.

Lions Regain Control—Just

Osborne’s second try restored the Lions’ lead early in the second half, but Pasifika’s intensity never waned. Duhan van der Merwe provided what seemed a decisive blow, finishing a slick Farrell assist for his fifth try of the tour. Yet, even a 10-point cushion felt fragile.

With nine minutes remaining, Rob Leota bulldozed over, reigniting fears of an upset. The missed conversion spared the Lions, who clung on for an unconvincing win.

Few Standouts for Test Selection

While the result kept the Lions’ momentum alive, head coach Andy Farrell will have concerns. Outside of Osborne and lock Scott Cummings—who delivered a tireless shift—few players made compelling cases for Test inclusion.

In contrast, Pasifika’s Charlie Gamble was immense, replicating his standout performance from the Waratahs clash. His breakdown mastery and relentless carries epitomized the home side’s spirit. Equally, the colossal Taniela Tupou and the relentless Uru underlined the Lions’ struggles in containing their power game.

Looking Ahead to the Second Test

This scrappy performance will fuel doubts over whether the Lions’ reserves are truly ready to step up. While van der Merwe and Farrell provided moments of class, the lack of cohesion and defensive lapses painted a worrying picture.

With injuries mounting and the second Test looming, Farrell must carefully assess whether his second-string squad members have done enough to warrant selection. As the Lions hang on for victory, questions remain over who can genuinely push for a starting role in the crucial battles ahead.

—

Line-ups

First Nations & Pasifika XV: Muirhead; Reilly, Foketi, Feliuai, Daugunu; Beale (capt), Thomas; Ieli, Paenga-Amosa, Tupou, Swain, Salakaia-Loto, Uru, Gamble, Tualima
Replacements: Asiata, Pearce, Doge, Vocevoce, Leota, Goddard, Debreczeni, McLeod

British and Irish Lions: Kinghorn; Graham, Osborne, Farrell (capt), Van der Merwe; F Smith, White; Schoeman, George, Bealham, Ryan, Cummings, Morgan, Van der Flier, Pollock
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Clarkson, Brown, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Ringrose

Match Officials

– Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
– Assistant Referee 1: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
– Assistant Referee 2: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
– TMO: Marius Jonker (SA)
– Foul Play Review Officer: Richard Kelly (NZ)

—

The Lions may have survived this test, but as they hang on to their unbeaten streak, the road to the second Test looks anything but assured.