Following the Wallabies’ 27-19 defeat to the British and Irish Lions to go 1-0 down in the Test series, here is how we rated Joe Schmidt’s charges in Brisbane.
Backs
15 Tom Wright: One of the rare standout performers for the Wallabies. His first touch set the tone for the rest of the match as he plucked the ball from the air, leaving two Lions chasers for dust thanks to some clever footwork. Despite his side struggling to keep possession of the ball, when he was utilised, he remained a creative threat. 7
14 Max Jorgensen: He took his try incredibly well, ripping the ball in the air from Hugo Keenan. Almost like a magic trick, the ball appeared in his hands from nowhere – he must have learnt it from his wing teammate. Although he was often targeted under the high ball, he held his ground well and looked dangerous on the attack. 6
13 Joseph Suaalii: He conceded a penalty early on in the match for holding on in the tackle, but was largely invisible as the Lions silenced the powerful centre. He was involved more in the second half and utilised his powerful running and deft offloads when required, but would have wished to have made more of an impact. Underwhelming from a player of whom so much is expected. 5
12 Len Ikitau: One of the more impactful players in the Wallabies starting team. Ikitau was often spotted trying to squeeze through the Lions’ defence, using his strong leg drives to give his side front-foot possession. 7
11 Harry Potter: The former Leicester Tigers wing was unlucky in the early stages when a kick from just outside his own 22 went dead, but he almost made up for it with an insightful nudge to his opposite wing later in the match. He showed good footwork in the dying stages to set up the McDermott try. Will be hoping for more space in the second test. 6
Halfbacks
10 Tom Lynagh: He looked exciting in the opening stages, playing quick and effective rugby alongside his scrum-half partner. However, his day started to deteriorate shortly after. Despite being brought in for his kicking game, it was this that suffered the most. Cross kicks weren’t hitting their desired destination and kicks to touch simply weren’t making enough yards. He was targeted by the Lions’ kickers under the high ball and struggled to gain control behind a beaten-up pack. A bit of a mare. 4
9 Jake Gordon: Like his half-back partner, Gordon started fast, but soon had limited interactions in the first half due to the Lions’ dominance. His efforts were largely lateral, with the odd snipe being read and easily shut down. 5
Forwards
8 Harry Wilson: Easy to spot with his bright red headguard, he was involved in everything. Threw a couple of wayward offloads but was clearly trying to be a point of difference in the Aussie attack. 7
7 Fraser McReight: Made a huge turnover in the first five minutes to stop a storming Lions attack, and continued in the same vein throughout the occasion. Was a bit loose with a couple of passes, but was key in the breakdown. 8
6 Nick Champion De Crespigny: He made 16 tackles in the first half, one of them absolutely bulldozing Ellis Genge. He was arguably the star player in the Wallabies team, making it remarkable that he only received his debut cap at 29 years old. An incredible debut. 8
5 Jeremy Williams: The most Wallabies carries in the first half as he almost single-handedly tried to give his side some go-forward. He did, however, make a poor handling error early on in the second half when the Wallabies finally had some possession and was fading when he was brought off with 20 minutes to go. 6
4 Nick Frost: He used his huge frame to make an impact in defence, particularly in the first half, but was then used as the main attacking weapon in the second. Performed well in the lineout, notably winning an important one against the head in the second half. 7
3 Allan Alaalatoa: He did well to read the game when the ball was out from the ruck early in the first half, and made 13 tackles before the 40. He scrummed incredibly well and will be pleased with his performance. 7
2 Matthew Faessler: A couple of overthrown lineouts and didn’t make any sort of impact with ball in hand or otherwise. Removed shortly into the second half. 3
1 James Slipper: It was supposed to be a momentous occasion for Slipper, appearing in his second Lions tour as part of the opposition. But, like Faessler, he failed to make any positive impact. Missing four tackles and barely getting involved in the game is not what would be expected of the veteran hooker. A poor day at the office. 3
Replacements: The stars of the Australian show. Their attack looked more solid with the fresh legs from the bench. Carlo Tizzano did incredibly well to force his way over the line for a try. Tate McDermott was incredibly lively when he arrived off the bench and took his try brilliantly. Ben Donaldson was able to dictate play with more effectively than Lynagh, albeit with a more secure platform. 8