Lions Player Ratings: Standouts From 29-17 Test Win Over Wallabies
Lions Player Ratings: Standouts From 29-17 Test Win Over Wallabies
See player ratings from the British & Irish Lions' win over Australia in the first test at Suncorp Stadium, featuring standout displays and key moments.
The British & Irish Lions opened their 2025 test series with a statement win, overpowering the Wallabies 29-17 at Suncorp Stadium to seize early control in the three-match series.
It was a performance built on physical dominance, tactical discipline and moments of attacking brilliance — with Finn Russell pulling the strings, and the Lions pack laying the platform.
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From the opening whistle, the Lions dictated proceedings, with Sione Tuipulotu’s early score setting the tone.
A bruising effort from Tom Curry and a sharp finish by Dan Sheehan reflected the clinical edge the tourists brought to Brisbane.
Despite a late surge from the Wallabies bench, including standout moments from Tate McDermott and Max Jorgensen, Andy Farrell’s men never looked rattled.
This was a team effort full of individual standouts - Russell’s vision, Sheehan’s dynamism, Itoje’s leadership and Genge’s physicality - all played key roles in establishing the Lions’ supremacy.
But, with Australia expected to respond fiercely in Melbourne, every player’s performance will be scrutinized, and some may face stiff competition for their place.
Here’s how each of the 23 Lions rated after a gritty, impactful and hard-earned win in Brisbane:
1. Ellis Genge - 7.5
A powerful presence from the outset, Genge laid down an early marker with a relentless carrying game.
He made nine impactful carries, consistently breaching the gainline, and beat a match-leading four defenders.
His physicality and aggression set the tone for the Lions pack, and he played a crucial role in creating the platform for Tuipulotu’s opening try.
Genge was sorely missed after departing in the 48th minute.
2. Dan Sheehan - 8.5
A complete performance from the dynamic hooker.
Sheehan was tireless in the loose, constantly offering himself as a carrier and finishing as the top forward in meters carried.
He scored a well-deserved try early in the second half, capped off a display that also included 12 tackles, an offload, a line break and flawless execution at both the scrum and lineout.
A standout in every facet.
3. Tadhg Furlong - 7
Furlong delivered a truly world-class performance.
From a sharp offload to Russell in the lead-up to the first try to his mammoth defensive shift — a staggering 24 tackles — he was everywhere.
Dominant at the breakdown and effective in the scrum, he also won three turnovers and even disrupted line-out ball.
His only blemish was a contentious penalty, but this was a statement showing from the Irish prop.
4. Maro Itoje (c) - 8
The captain embodied resilience and control.
Itoje was a constant nuisance at the breakdown, made 20 tackles and took four line-outs.
He nearly scored in the 35th minute, showing his hunger to contribute across the park.
His leadership in the tight moments and cool head under pressure gave the Lions crucial structure and belief.
5. Joe McCarthy - 9
Until injury curtailed his involvement, McCarthy was a dominant physical force.
He put in multiple strong carries and rattled Wallabies runners with a series of heavy tackles, including four in one minute in a breathtaking defensive sequence.
He nearly dotted down from a cross-field kick and set an imposing tone early. His loss after 44 minutes was a blow, but his impact already was made.
6. Tadhg Beirne - 9
A big-game player who thrived once again.
Beirne produced a brilliant offload to initiate a Lions breakaway try and was sharp under the high ball throughout.
His hallmark choke tackle in the 53rd minute neutralized a promising Wallabies maul.
Beirne’s nous and technical proficiency stood out in a performance full of intelligence and aggression.
7. Tom Curry - 8.5
Curry’s influence grew as the game wore on.
After a quiet opening, he exploded into life with a surging try and a pair of brilliant passes, including an assist for Sheehan.
He was central to the Lions’ ruck dominance and led the line speed defensively.
Aside from a mistimed challenge on Tom Lynagh, Curry was highly effective in disrupting the Wallabies' rhythm.
8. Jack Conan - 8
Often overlooked, Conan was quietly essential.
He provided secure ball carries, linked phases smoothly and was the second-most productive forward in meters carried.
He added defensive steel with key tackles and was central to the Lions’ efficient ruck work.
His contribution may have flown under the radar, but it was foundational to the win.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 8.5
Superb control and composure from the base.
Gibson-Park’s sniping runs consistently turned defenders, and his quick, accurate service allowed Russell to play flat and fast.
His box kicking was exceptional, pinning the Wallabies deep and forcing handling errors.
His tempo-setting and game awareness were pivotal in dictating the pace of the contest.
10. Finn Russell - 8.5
Russell was in full command.
He nailed an early penalty to settle nerves and was instrumental in creating Tuipulotu’s try with a sublime linebreak and offload.
His vision and execution in attack repeatedly opened space, while his tactical kicking pinned the Wallabies back.
His mix of flair and control defined this win.
11. James Lowe - 6.5
A mixed bag for Lowe.
He produced a thunderous fend on Max Jorgensen and made a key break that nearly led to a try for Huw Jones, but decision-making let him down when he was held up chasing a score himself.
Defensively, he was excellent, covering kicks well and putting in several important tackles.
His work rate was tireless, especially chasing back, but he'll be frustrated with a couple of missed scoring chances.
12. Sione Tuipulotu - 8.5
The former Aussie schoolboy showed exactly what his old nation is missing.
Scored the opening try with ease and regularly cut through the Wallabies’ midfield with sharp angles and slick hands.
His communication and positioning were top-notch, offering a steadying presence and creating attacking opportunities.
A composed and polished performance that underlined his growing stature in the Lions setup.
13. Huw Jones - 8
Unlucky not to score after a brilliant break, but penalized for not releasing.
His decision not to pass in the 41st minute nearly cost the Lions a third try, though the score came moments later.
Defensively, he was improved and sharp in the line and alert to loose ball, but he may come under pressure from Garry Ringrose for selection for the second test.
14. Tommy Freeman - 6
Started energetically and was solid under the high ball, frequently challenging the Wallabies’ back three.
Had few chances with ball in hand, and when one finally came, he knocked on attempting a difficult offload.
While he worked hard off the ball and covered well, his quiet showing leaves his starting spot vulnerable ahead of the next test.
15. Hugo Keenan - 8
Had a mostly commanding game, linking well in attack and expertly managing the backfield.
His misfortune came in the form of being stripped by Max Jorgensen for a Wallabies try, but he responded by claiming a difficult high ball soon after and keeping his composure under pressure.
Overall, a classy and intelligent performance.
16. Ronan Kelleher - 5
Replaced Sheehan and brought immediate defensive impact with nine tackles in a short time. However, his late lineout overthrow ended a promising attack and may count against him in selection discussions.
Outside of that, he was steady in set-pieces and physical in contact.
17. Andrew Porter - 5
Came on for Genge and made his presence felt with his work rate — 12 tackles and some effective clear-outs — but his scrummaging again drew the ref’s whistle, conceding a penalty.
While energetic in open play, those scrum issues remain a concern for the coaching staff.
18. Will Stuart - 5
Struggled to assert himself in the scrum, where Angus Bell got the better of him.
Although Stuart managed 10 tackles and had a few decent carries, his time on the field coincided with the Lions losing set-piece momentum, which may influence the pecking order going forward.
19. Ollie Chessum - 5
Came on for the injured McCarthy and performed solidly without standing out.
Made several strong carries and was active in defense, but he lacked the raw impact and aggression McCarthy brought early on.
Valuable squad option, but not yet pushing for a starting berth based on this showing.
20. Ben Earl - 6
Added energy off the bench and made seven tackles, but was lucky to escape punishment for a no-arms tackle on Sua’ali’i.
He entered a different kind of match than Curry had left — more fragmented and faster paced — and did his best to adapt.
Some nice bursts in attack, but not his most influential outing.
21. Alex Mitchell - N/A
Had minimal time to influence the contest and didn’t get a chance to stamp his mark.
A few tidy passes and some smart positioning, but he ultimately was not on long enough to rate fairly.
22. Marcus Smith - 7
Brought on when the Lions were under the pump, Smith came alive late when his side got the ball.
His footwork and flair opened up the tiring Wallabies defense, and he helped shift momentum back in the Lions’ favor.
Smith showed his value as a bench spark.
23. Bundee Aki - 7.5
Injected power and grit when introduced, helping the Lions maintain midfield control as Australia pressed late.
Lacked Tuipulotu’s creativity but compensated with physical defense and a vital turnover to relieve pressure.
Did exactly what was required off the bench.
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