Scrappy Lions overcome spirited First Nations & Pasifika XV but Test hopefuls fluff lines
Lions performance gives Andy Farrell plenty to think about
- The British & Irish Lions secured a victory against a First Nations & Pasifika XV in Melbourne, maintaining their unbeaten tour record.
- Despite the win, the Lions delivered a clunky performance, with many players failing to impress in what was seen as a final audition for the second Test.
- The scratch First Nations & Pasifika XV put up a spirited fight, making the match highly physical and competitive.
- Key moments included Owen Farrell's early influence, tries from Jamie Osborne, Darcy Graham, and Duhan van der Merwe, and errors from Lions players like Blair Kinghorn and Fin Smith.
- The fixture's timing and the need for reinforcements raised questions about the feasibility of such midweek games on future Lions tours.