Any notion that the British & Irish Lions were smoothly preparing for this month’s Test series against Australia now seems misguided. How many of their lineup will be in the first Test’s starting team is unclear, but this match proved that their opponents won’t simply step aside when the more important games arrive.
A try by scrum-half Alex Mitchell in the 54th minute spared his team’s embarrassment in a performance that will concern the coaches at this crucial stage of the tour. A handful of positives emerged, including two first-half tries from the sharp-eyed Huw Jones and a typically dynamic showing from Ben Earl in the back row. Yet with the opening match of the three-Test series less than two weeks away, the Lions have much to improve.
Instead, the game was marred by dropped balls, frequent stoppages, and a determined effort from the home pack. Few expected much from New South Wales, given that the last regional team to beat the Lions did so in 1959, yet the Waratahs succeeded in bringing their visitors back to reality. Owen Farrell, who watched from the stands after officially joining the tour, was among those left with plenty to consider.
The conditions could not be blamed. Sydney Harbour shimmered beneath a brilliant sky earlier in the day, but an evening dew made the surface slippery, leading to handling errors that turned the contest into an untidy affair.
Further complicating matters for the Lions were last-minute changes. Henry Pollock withdrew before kick-off with a calf issue, forcing Scott Cummings onto the field and shifting Tadhg Beirne to the blindside flank. Duhan van der Merwe’s late inclusion disrupted the planned 6-2 bench split favoring forwards.
Still, some partnerships functioned well. The Scottish midfield duo of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones linked effectively, with the former sending Jones through via a clever no-look pass for the opening try. Jones showcased his ability again eight minutes before halftime, using quick footwork near the line for his second score—his third try in four days on tour.
However, the Lions may still consider Ireland’s Garry Ringrose at outside center if he impresses in Canberra, particularly with Australia’s new star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in mind. Jones, at least, can rest assured he has given the selectors a tough decision to make.
The Waratahs, meanwhile, saw a potential try for flanker Charlie Gamble disallowed due to obstruction in the maul.
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