The British & Irish Lions lead Australia 17-5 at halftime in the opening test of the 2025 series, after a dominant 40-minute display marked by powerful carries, relentless breakdown pressure and flashes of Finn Russell's brilliance.
Sione Tuipulotu opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing a flowing move that began with a trademark Russell linebreak and offload. The Lions' fly-half has been at the heart of everything, adding a penalty in the first minute and controlling territory with an expert kicking game.
Despite a promising Australian response — punctuated by a solo try from Max Jorgensen, who stripped Hugo Keenan and raced 60 meters to score in the 28th minute — the hosts struggled to match the Lions' intensity.
The Wallabies’ lone score came amid a rare period of sustained possession, but too often, they were outmuscled and outmaneuvered.
Tom Curry extended the Lions' lead in the 36th minute after the tourists were twice held up over the line. The England flanker powered through two defenders to cap a dominant sequence, with Russell adding the extras to make it 17-5.
Andy Farrell’s side had other opportunities go begging, most notably when Huw Jones had a try ruled out for a double movement, and Joe McCarthy fumbled just short. Still, they have been in near-total control.
The Wallabies showed some fight late in the half, winning a scrum penalty after tempers flared, but they’ll need much more in the second 40 to shift momentum.
Tom Lynagh, on his first international start, has shown composure, but he remains under heavy pressure.
As it stands, the Lions are halfway to an emphatic opening test win. Australia, bruised but not broken, must find answers and fast.