- The British & Irish Lions secured a 21-10 victory against Waratahs in Australia
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The British & Irish Lions secured a 21-10 victory against Waratahs as their tour of Australia continued.
Huw Jones scored twice for Andy Farrell’s side in Sydney, with Alex Mitchell also registering a try.
Fin Smith kicked the conversations as the Lions earned their second victory of the tour, but it was an unconvincing performance largely against the Super Rugby Pacific side.
One individual looked short of his best as he has not had much game time recently.
Meanwhile, another player seems unlikely to challenge for a Test place.
Mail Sport’s CHRIS FOY assesses how each Lions player performed.
Hugo Keenan – 4
Missed Reds win due to illness and he looked like a man short of recent game-time. Defensive lapse gifted the hosts a try and shaky under the high ball.
Mack Hansen – 5
Highly valued by the head coach but couldn’t find a way to cut loose on this occasion. Full effort as always but couldn’t take late chance out wide.
Huw Jones – 7.5
Two tries showed that he is moving into gear nicely. Explosive bursts and slick footwork troubled the home defence. Clicked well with Scotland partner.
Sione Tuipulotu – 6.5
Still not just at full throttle after a long injury lay-off, but he is close now. Disguised-pass assist for Jones’ first try showed that his game has layers.
Blair Kinghorn – 6
Such a natural, classy runner from deep and didn’t have many opportunities to show it on the wing as attack stuttered. Deserves a start in 15 shirt.
Fin Smith – 5
Just wasn’t his night. With Owen Farrell looming in the stand, as a new threat, England’s first-choice No 10 lacked his usual authority, precision and vision.
Alex Mitchell – 8
What a performance. After a quiet start, he became the orchestrator of the Lions’ best work. Sparky and instinctive. Took his try in sharp, clinical fashion.
Pierre Schoeman – 7
Fans favourite was well supported from the stands and threw his weight around as a carrier and tackler. At the forefront of an improved scrum effort.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6.5
His lineout throwing was under scrutiny after previous wobbles but this time his delivery was impressive from the off. Thunderously committed
Finlay Bealham – 7
It didn’t all go entirely his way in the set-piece battle but, overall, the late Irish call-up is emerging as the form tighthead on tour and a possible Test starter.
Scott Cummings – 6.5
After his grim debut, this was redemption of sorts. Started with a vital interception in defence and his confidence grew from that moment on.
James Ryan – 5
The Leinster stalwart is unlikely to challenge for a Test place on this evidence. Big, heavy weapon up front but he lacked real dynamism and accuracy.
Tadhg Beirne – 5
Captain for the night but he wasn’t an imposing presence on this occasion. So often a ruck asset for Ireland, but he was eclipsed in that area for once.
Josh van der Flier – 5
The openside is one of Andy Farrell’s trusted men and he was full of trademark endeavour, but didn’t stand out as a jackal threat or support runner.
Ben Earl – 7
Missed a huge overlap after a barnstorming early break but, on the whole, he was much improved. Full of intensity and effort. Prominent throughout.
Replacements
Dan Sheehan (for Cowan-Dickie, 51)
Ellis Genge (for Schoeman, 51)
Tadhg Furlong (for Bealham, 51)
Joe McCarthy (for Ryan, 51)
Duhan van der Merwe (for Keenan, 51)
Marcus Smith (for F Smith, 60)
Jac Morgan (for Van der Flier, 60)
Ben White (for Mitchell, 71)
