For 42 minutes in Brisbane, it was the stuff of Wallabies nightmares. Australia rugby may have begun this British and Irish Lions series as home underdogs but few expected them to be so comprehensively outplayed in a first Test that felt must-win, Joe Schmidt’s side unable to land a punch as they were forced back repeatedly against the ropes, the knockout blow seemingly imminent.
It never quite arrived – and Australia deserve credit for ducking and weaving just enough to be able to land some late blows of their own. Defeat on points was never in doubt but Schmidt will take some confidence into next week’s rematch, when the return of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini may up the hosts’ punching power.
