Lions player ratings vs Australia: First Test

Saturday, 19 July 2025 at 12:54

byTom Sansom

Lions player ratings vs Australia: First Test joy for Andy Farrell's men as the tourists go 1-0 up in the series after victory in Brisbane.

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The British and Irish Lions got their 2025 tour off to a winning start, edging past the Wallabies 27-21 in Brisbane — but it was far from the dominant display many expected.

Finn Russell pulled the strings early, slotting a penalty and converting tries from Sione Tuipulotu and Tom Curry as the Lions stormed to a 17-5 halftime lead. Dan Sheehan’s finish in the corner after the break pushed the visitors 24-5 ahead, and a rout looked on the cards.

But the Lions fell asleep.

Australia roared back into the contest, with Carlo Tizzano smashing over after relentless pressure and Tate McDermott striking late to set up a tense finish. Ben Donaldson’s boot cut the gap to just 12 before Marcus Smith calmed Lions nerves with a crucial penalty.

The Lions held on for the win and a 1-0 series lead — but their lack of celebration said it all. A game that should’ve been put to bed early turned into a grind, and Warren Gatland’s men know they let the Wallabies off the hook.

Scroll down for the Lions player ratings vs Australia:

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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Lions player ratings vs Australia:

15. Hugo Keenan — 7

Over the illness that hindered his early tour, as he lost 6kg in body weight. Back fit and firing for the Test, and confident in returning the ball with long searching runs from the back-field. Almost caught out by Harry Potter's deep kick down field, with a great read of the ball. Keenan was all over the Lions attack, yet lost the aerial battle to Max Jorgensen for the Wallabies’ first try.

14. Tommy Freeman — 6.5

Providing a brilliant break-away option out wide, whilst also handing a capable carrying choice in the centre of the park. Collected the ball like an NFL receiver in the 25th minute, before clearing danger in impressive fashion.

13. Huw Jones — 7

Provided the ideal supporting line for the second Lions try of the match, yet after a TMO review the Scotsman's score was ruled out as he was held in the tackle by Max Jorgensen. Jones was a stand-out operator and rose up to the challenge to hinder his opposite man Joseph Sua'ali'i.

12. Sione Tuipulotu — 7.5

Ran on for an inch-perfect line to open the try-scoring for the Lions, after Finn Russell floated a beautiful pass to his Scotland teammate. The Glasgow man made his mark with customary carries and quick distribution, with a stunning Scottish back-line starring on the Sunshine Coast.

11. James Lowe — 7

Called into action after just three minutes to cut in off the wing, as Tom Lynagh broke free. Lowe denied the pass to Joseph Sua'ali'i in a brilliant defensive effort. An early touchline boot down-field rolled too far, with over-eagerness apparent in the big occasion.

Provided a big fend in a solid run, in the lead-up to Huw Jones' try which was eventually disallowed. Should have passed out wide as the Lions drove forward in the 34th minute, with the try-line beckoning, yet he went alone and lost the ball in contact. Worked well with Itoje to hold up Harry Wilson's 57th-minute try attempt.

10. Finn Russell — 8.5

Nailed the opening crack at the posts after one minute of play, before nailing an excellent kick to pin the Australians back under pressure. Sent a delightful pass to Sione Tuipulotu to open the scoring for the Lions. Russell was at his mesmeric best throughout the match, with his all-Scottish midfield complementing his abilities with telepathic runs.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park — 8

Sending his box kicks high into the sky with excellent hang-time. The quality of the kicks gave his Lions teammates ample time to get underneath the ball to regain possession down the pitch. The Leinster man was in stunning form, as he provided a rapid tempo at the breakdown and worked seamlessly to bring the best out of Finn Russell.

1. Ellis Genge — 6.5

Pinged at a 13th-minute penalty for an early engagement, in what was really the first unforced error by the Lions after an incredible start. The Bristolian threw his weight into every carry out in Brisbane for a solid outing. Off at 48 minutes for Andrew Porter.

2. Dan Sheehan — 8

Throwing himself to the deck with some fierce-looking chop tackles. Flying out of the line at blistering pace, Sheehan complemented a staggering defensive work-rate with the calmness to then distribute inch-perfect line-out ball and win the battle at scrum-time.

Sheehan made his way onto the scoreboard with a well-finished try. The Leinster hooker muscled his way into the corner, after a well-timed pass by Tom Curry.

3. Tadhg Furlong — 7

Such an important member of the senior Lions cohort, great to see the Ireland and Leinster stalwart back at his best in the red jersey. The tight-head was a menace around the park, with his eye-catching first steps keeping the Australians guessing in defence. Lucky to avoid a card after leading with his shoulder to the head of Wallabies' Len Ikitau in the 49th minute — only a penalty as the prop wrapped the ruck clear-out.

4. Maro Itoje (capt) — 6

An early uncharacteristic mishap from the Lions captain, as he was beaten at the breakdown by Fraser McReight for a Wallabies turnover. The England captain was then held up over the try-line at the 35th minute, after resolute Lions defence.

The Lions skipper recovered his quieter start by commandeering his troops and putting his body on the line for the men in red. A stand-out moment saw him hold up the ball, as opposition captain Harry Wilson tried to ground the ball. Squandered the chance to score a try at 72 minutes, as he threw a loose ball — albeit with the penalty advantage secured.

5. Joe McCarthy — 6

Brilliant ball carrying, as the lock dug in his heels to make the hard yards. The Leinster man was inches away from dotting down Finn Russell's cross-field kick, with a narrow knock-on denying the try out wide. The Irishman was in the middle of a scuffle with Jeremy Williams that sparked a mass brawl — thankfully without a punch thrown. Withdrawn just three minutes into the second half for Ollie Chessum, as he limped gingerly from the pitch.

6. Tadhg Beirne — 9

The perfect start for the back row, with a steal over the breakdown at the first ruck, solidifying his inclusion after just 30 seconds. A brilliant effort from the Munster man who was a stand-out performer in the first half. Took a nasty fall from the restart at 38 minutes, yet muscled on with multiple carries and clattering hits.

One of the best players on the pitch for the Lions, who stepped up and erased the question marks around his positional change from lock. Epitomised the strength of the Lions defence, with his 50th-minute hit that disrupted the Wallabies as the ball was lost. Once again brilliant at the 53rd minute, as he turned over the ball as the Wallabies drove for the line.

7. Tom Curry — 9

Surging carries from the Sale Sharks man, yet was turned over upon his first trip past the Aussie gain-line. The back row would not be denied at the 36th minute, as he scored his first Lions try. In hot water for an aerial hit on Tom Lynagh on the stroke of half-time, yet escaped a card by the leniency of the referee.

Curry answered his critics who queried his Test inclusion, with a key involvement early in the second half. Curry collected the ball at the back of the line-out with a fine act of juggling, before then sending the assisting pass to Dan Sheehan for a try. 8 carries, 11 tackles and a try, a great effort — although he was shown to be favouring an injured arm.

8. Jack Conan — 6.5

An absolute rock in defence. The Leinster man would not take a backwards step as the Lions commanded the tempo of contact with a firing line-speed. Conan had a quieter first half in attack, as he was overshadowed by the back-row brilliance of Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne.

Replacements

16. Ronan Kelleher — 6

(On 60')
Plenty of work still to be done for the replacement hooker, as the Leinster man did his job well for the final 20 minutes of the match.

17. Andrew Porter — 6.5

(On 48')
On to anchor the second-half scrum with his Ireland and Leinster teammate Tadhg Furlong. Porter exploded out of the gate, with pent-up frustration from being benched for the first Test. Conceded a scrum penalty at the 52nd minute, after the Lions held immaculate scrummaging standards in the first 40.

18. Will Stuart — 6.5

(On for Furlong 58')
Given the orders to empty the tank for the final 22 minutes of the match, as he replaced stand-out Lions forward Tadhg Furlong.

19. Ollie Chessum — 7

(On 43')
Brought on earlier than expected, after an injury to Joe McCarthy ended the Irish lock's match early. Immediately involved in contact with tackles and provided an ever-present work rate at the ruck.

20. Ben Earl — 7

(On for Curry 58')
A big step-up was required for Ben Earl, as he replaced Tom Curry after a stunning effort from the Sale man.

21. Alex Mitchell — 5

(On 74')
Only introduced for the final six minutes of the match, but the Northampton man contributed some heavy cross-field kicks from the boot. He would have had a higher rating given more time on the pitch, yet it was hard to find a reason to withdraw Gibson-Park in Andy Farrell's eyes.

22. Marcus Smith — 6

(On 65' for Finn Russell)
Given the keys to the back-line in a fly-half swap for Finn Russell, having been unleashed at fullback in previous meetings. Nailed his effort through the sticks, to take the Lions out of range in the final minutes.

23. Bundee Aki — 6.5

(On for Tuipulotu 58')
A big call saw Bundee Aki left on the bench, with Andy Farrell preferring the all-Scottish duo. Made a key hold-up to deny Sua'ali'i's try.

Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches

Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?

You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!