The British and Irish Lions got their three-Test series against Australia off to a flying start as they beat the Wallabies in Brisbane.
How the Lions rated
The British and Irish Lions got their Test series off to the best possible start with a 23-21 victory in Brisbane. George North and Alex Cuthbert both crossed for memorable tries for the Lions, while Leigh Halfpenny added 13 points from the boot. The result means the Lions emulated the class of 2001 by opening up the three-Test series with victory. And after the stunning success at the Suncorp Stadium, we
assess how the tourists fared.
Gatland: Only result matters
Lions head coach Warren Gatland admitted his side have
things to work on after edging Australia 23-21 on a dramatic night in Brisbane. He said: "It was a tough game. The first half we scrummaged well and our line-out went well but I'm a bit disappointed in the game management. We've got in front and then given a couple of soft three-pointers to let them back in the game. It just shows how close this series is going to be. We saw some great tries out there tonight."
Warburton credits Australia
Lions captain Sam Warburton was
full of praise for opponents Australia after securing a titanic 23-21 first Test victory in Brisbane. He said: "That was entertaining, that's for sure. It was way too close for comfort. That last 20 minutes was so hard. We really had to dig in. Credit to Australia. We can expect a lot more in these next two Test matches. It was like last year with Wales all over again. It's out of your control when there's a kick for the opposition in the last minute."
O'Driscoll: Lions deserved win
Lions centre Brian O'Driscoll insisted the tourists were
well worth their 23-21 first Test win over Australia in Brisbane. He said: "It feels strange. Hearts in the mouth at the end, obviously. We probably should have lost conceding those two penalties there. We wouldn't have deserved to lose. It felt like we were better than two points better than that side. We didn't get much luck in the game - deflected kicks seemed to bounce into their arms more often than not but maybe we got our luck at the end."
Horwill keen to make amends
Australia captain James Horwill has
called for improvement after the agonising 23-21 first Test defeat to the British & Irish Lions. He said: Horwill said afterwards: "It's very disappointing. We were right in it and a couple of errors and ill-discipline allowed them to get a leg up. In that first half, we didn't have a lot of ball and the ball we did have we made the most of so that will give us a lot of confidence. At the end of the day, we've got to be more clinical and make more of our opportunities."
The lowdown
The Sky Sports panel give their
verdict on the 23-21 victory over Australia in Brisbane. Sky Sports expert Sir Ian McGeechan said: "The Lions had to get the win tonight to get on the front foot. It was disappointing after they had scored the try in the first half because I felt the Lions lost a bit of intensity and allowed Australia the possession and the territory. The threat of Australia got greater and the Lions got a bit untidy and gave them that space which allowed them to kick the goals."
Australia 21 British and Irish Lions 23 - As it happened
Relive the British and Irish Lions' victory against the Wallabies in Brisbane with our commentary from the match.
Click here for the game as it happened, or
click here for the best of the images.
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