The British & Irish Lions maintained their perfect record in Australia with a scrappy 24-19 victory over First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium.
First Nations & Pasifika XV were excellent in bringing the Lions to the precipice of their first loss Down Under, in a game that will provide plenty of food for thought.
Here are the five things we learnt from a physical battle in Melbourne.
CLASSY OWEN FARRELL
As if it ever needed reminding, Owen Farrell underlined why he has long been considered one of the best players in the world.
Farrell captained the Lions and delivered a brilliant display from inside centre, where he dovetailed nicely with fly-half Fin Smith.
He produced some really clever and delicate touches, including the kick that led to Jamie Osborne’s first try, and the pass that released Duhan van der Merwe in for the decisive score.
Rock-solid in defence, Farrell was quietly very impressive and will be knocking at the door for a Test spot this weekend.
DARCY GRAHAM INJURY
Many believed Darcy Graham was unlucky not to be called into the initial squad when it was announced on May 8, before a call-up last week saw him realise his dream of becoming a Lion.
It’s heart-breaking then that injury meant he was substituted with 17 minutes gone, having scored a try with 11 played.
Graham is Scotland’s second all-time try scorer, and an incredibly popular member of the group, and it was notable that Finn Russell made the effort to come and console Graham as he sat looking on from the bench.
To extent of Graham’s injury will be learnt in the coming days but if he is ruled out of the rest of the Tour, Andy Farrell might need re-examine his depth chart.
ATTACK STRUGGLES
For the most part, the Lions have been clinical with the ball throughout the Tour. Today, they looked slightly disjointed.
In the first half, the Lions scored only 2.0 points per visit to their opposition’s 22, compared to 4.7 for FNP.
It is understandable in part because of the number of new players who have been brought into the group as injury cover. The Lions could not make it click throughout the 80 minutes, and were dragged into a dogfight by the FNP.
FNP AT THE BREAKDOWN
FNP targeted the Lions’ breakdown throughout the game, constantly attacking the ball when out of possession.
Charlie Gamble, who was a constant thorn in the Lions’ side when he represented the Waratahs earlier in the Tour, was excellent again at the ruck.
Stan Sport named the flanker Player of the Match, as his efforts at slowing the tourists’ ball down helped keep his side in the game when it could have gone away from them early in the second half.
It would not be a massive surprise if Gamble earned a call-up from Australia head coach Joe Schmidt, given the performances he’s put in over the Tour.
FNP dominated the Lions physically for large parts of the game, and it all started from their efforts in the breakdown, which gave them a chance to grab a late win.
LIONS HOLD ON
Despite a scrappy performance from the Lions against a brilliant opposition, they managed to get over the line.
Ben White was effective again in challenging conditions for a scrum-half as FNP constantly tried to pilfer possession.
Jamie Osborne also showed his class, bagging a brace and defended well as the Lions kept their opposition at bay late on.
Being able to win when you’re not at your best is a skill in itself and, although the Lions would rather dominate, they’ll take a disjointed victory against an opposition who gave it their all.
Although the Tourists weren’t at their best in Melbourne, they have kept their perfect record in Australia alive for now.