Australia battled against a fine Lions side with three excellent tries, but ultimately lost 19-27 in Brisbane.
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Tries from Max Jorgensen, Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott kept the tourists on their toes, but the visitors were ultimately too strong after a dominant first half. The Wallabies can take solace from their second-half performance, but it'll be tough to take positives from being 1-0 down in the series.
Here's our player ratings for Australia in their 19-27 defeat to the British & Irish Lions.
Australia: 19
- Tries: Jorgensen (28'), Tizzano (67'), McDermott (78')
- Cons: Donaldson (68',78')
- Pens:
British & Irish Lions: 27
- Tries: Tuipulotu (8'), T Curry (35'), Sheehan (41')
- Cons: Russell (9', 36', 42')
- Pens: Russell (1'), M Smith (73')
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15. Tom Wright: 6
Wright disappointed throughout, with much of the work sweeping up kicks done by the young fly-half Lynagh. The full-back was one of the players in gold unable to get a foothold in this match, and will hope for a vast improvement next time out in Melbourne.
14. Max Jorgensen: 8
Jorgensen recovered from a poor effort on James Lowe to make an excellent last-gasp tackle and deny Huw Jones. His try off the back of a dominating claim in the air against Hugo Keenan was the highlight of a dismal first half for the Wallabies.
13. Joseph Sua'ali'i: 6
After an underwhelming first hour, Sua'ali'i had a try disallowed for failing to release the ball before re-gathering and crossing. The cross-code superstar didn't have a massive influence on the game as the Lions kept the Wallabies quiet for the most part.
12. Len Ikitau: 7
Ikitau was his usual solid self, unspectacular but good enough to warrant more than a standard six. The Wallabies will need to bring a much higher standard in Melbourne to keep this series interesting, Ikitau included.
11. Harry Potter: 5
There was nothing magical about Potter's performance here, with Australia's impact out wide hugely limited by the Lions' high press. Considering this performance, the former Leicester man may not be the chosen one for the second Test.
10. Max Lynagh: 7
Much was made of young Lynagh's inclusion as the starting fly-half, given his family pedigree. Filling Noah Lolesio's boots is a huge task, but Lynagh's shift across an hour at ten for the Wallabies was admirable in the circumstances.
9. Jake Gordon: 6
Gordon kept things ticking whenever Australia had possession, but that never came to much. The Waratahs scrum-half exited the game before the Wallabies had their best spell in the game, and could be under pressure from Tate McDermott for the starting job at the MCG next Saturday.
1. James Slipper: 5
Veteran loosehead Slipper had a shaky start, with a couple of handling errors bringing Australia's moves to a shuddering halt. Despite some astute defensive work, it's perhaps no surprise that Slipper departed the game before 50 minutes.
2. Matt Faessler: 5
Faessler's error at the lineout led directly to Dan Sheehan's try moments into the second half, killing off any hopes of a solid Wallabies start coming out from the break. Like Slipper, Faessler was withdrawn relatively early, and for good reason.
3. Allan Alaalatoa: 7
The standout front row performer, Alaalatoa was able to catch out Ellis Genge on multiple occasions and win scrum penalties. The 31-year-old tighthead impressed in his 57 minutes with his physicality and defensive work.
4. Nick Frost: 6
Frost was another player who didn't particularly stand out against the Lions, pinged occasionally at the breakdown and ultimately made little impact. The 6ft 9in Brumbies man should be safe in his selection next time out, but will need a big step up after a poor 80 minutes in Brisbane.
5. Jeremy Williams: 5
The Western Force captain didn't put in a good showing at Suncorp Stadium, making several handling errors and looking poor in contact. As a unit, the Wallabies' forwards need to make a step up in the rest of this series.
6. Nick Champion de Crespigny: 6
Making his debut at 29, Champion de Crespigny was thrown in at the deep end against a hugely impressive Lions pack. He certainly didn't disgrace himself, but was probably the poorest performer in the Wallabies' back row - accentuated by Tizzano's try-scoring cameo in his place.
7. Fraser McReight: 8
The standout player in the forwards, McReight was a constant nuisance at the breakdown with several steals. The Reds flanker looked far more comfortable than most of his teammates on the big stage, and will have locked down that openside role for the MCG.
8. Harry Wilson: 7
Another good performer, Wallabies captain Wilson was a real threat with the ball in hand in Brisbane. Another Queensland Reds man playing at his 'home' stadium, the 24-cap back row will keep his place for the next Test.
Replacements:
16. Billy Pollard: 7
17. Angus Bell: 7
18. Tom Robertson: 6
19. Tom Hooper: 6
20. Carlo Tizzano: 7
21. Tate McDermott: 7
22. Ben Donaldson: 7
23. Andrew Kellaway: 5
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