Australia 19-27 Lions: Andy Farrell's men hold off spirited Wallabies fightback in opening Test triumph

The British and Irish Lions held off a spirited second-half fightback from Australia to prevail 27-19 in their first Test at Lang Park in Brisbane.

Pre-game pessimism from some of the Wallabies fanbase was well-founded, as the Finn Russell-inspired Lions exploded out of the blocks, storming into a 10-0 advantage courtesy of the 32-year-old's early penalty and stunning pass to Sione Tuipulotu's for the Test's first try.

Andy Farrell's crop were guilty of a few mistakes, though, and a beleaguered Australia cut the deficit in half when Max Jorgensen robbed Hugo Keenan of possession in the air and raced clear.

However, the Lions' response was an emphatic one, as Tom Curry forced his way through the crowd to extend the visitors' advantage to 12 before the break.

After Russell had his moment in the spotlight, Curry soon stole the show, intercepting an Australia lineout just two minutes after the restart and laying off Dan Sheehan to go over on the right-hand side.

Farrell's men could not keep up the intensity beyond the hour mark, though, and a never-say-die Australia made things interesting when Carlo Tizzano went over, shortly after Joseph Suaalii had a try disallowed for holding on.

Marcus Smith's penalty gave the Lions a bit more breathing space before Tate McDermott's last-gasp try, one that made the scoreline more respectable than the first half suggested it might have been.

Boasting a 1-0 lead in the series, the Lions now prepare for battle against a First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday, before the second Test against Australia on July 26 in Melbourne and the series finale in Sydney on August 2.

Written by
Ben Knapton