The British and Irish Lions remained unbeaten since arriving in Australia as they prevailed 36-24 over a battling Brumbies side - though it was another mixed performance from Andy Farrell’s tourists.
Having named what looked close to a possible Test team for the clash in Canberra, Farrell might have expected more from his selection, though the Lions were unable to find full form and fluency as they again encountered problems at the breakdown. Tries from Ollie Chessum, James Lowe, Marcus Smith, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier ensured victory was secured with a degree of comfort on the scoreboard, but improvements will be needed in 10 days’ time when the Lions take on the Wallabies in Brisbane in the first Test.
There will be concern, also, over the fitness of Blair Kinghorn, who was replaced inside half-an-hour after an early knock. The Lions have one more outing against a composite Australia and New Zealand XV in Adelaide on Saturday, giving a few of those on the fringes a last chance to force their way into the Test team.
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Brumbies vs Lions live
- Lions beat the Brumbies in Canberra in hard-fought affair
- TRY! BRUMBIES 5-0 Lions (Tuaina Taii Tualima, 5 minutes)
- TRY! Brumbies 5-5 LIONS (Ollie Chessum, 16 minutes)
- TRY! Brumbies 5-12 LIONS (James Lowe, 30 minutes)
- TRY! BRUMBIES 10-12 Lions (Corey Toole, 37 minutes)
- TRY! Brumbies 10-19 LIONS (Marcus Smith, 41 minutes)
- TRY! Brumbies 10-26 LIONS (Garry Ringrose, 48 minutes)
- TRY! Brumbies 17-36 LIONS (Josh van der Flier, 68 minutes)
- TRY! BRUMBIES 24-36 Lions (Liam Bowron, 75 minutes)
Lions prevail despite patchy performance against Brumbies to leave Test selection questions
13:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe British and Irish Lions failed to deliver the statement performance expected from their Test team in waiting as they laboured to a patchy 36-24 victory over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.
The Lions slowly pulled clear with second-half tries from Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier, but the strongest line-up fielded by Andy Farrell so far on tour were unconvincing with the series opener against Australia just 10 days away.
It was a side that looked less than the sum of their parts, firing only sporadically but with the individual class to ensure an upset against opponents who were missing eight Wallabies was never on the cards.
Lions prevail after patchy performance against Brumbies to leave selection questions
Lions head coach Andy Farrell adds his input
13:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle“It’s the same as the other games, really,” the Lions boss admits to Sky Sports. “There was some really good stuff, but on the flip side, we kept them in the game. I think I am right in saying that we dominated field position but we kept them in with a sniff, especially when you get over the line three times and don’t score.
“Congratulations to the Brumbies, they came out of the blocks really well and stayed in the fight until the last minute. The breakdown has been fiercely contested over the last couple of weeks. We’ve just got to make sure we do our job properly. It’s tough in there when people are flying all over the place.
“We are up early in the morning to fly to Adelaide, and we’ll pick a side tomorrow night. Then we’ve got to get some rest in the squad. The learnings from today and from the last game against the Tahs are something that are at the forefront of our mind and everyone will muck in together to try and get a performance on Saturday.
“Someone landed on Blair Kinghorn’s knee and he felt a bit of something. He’s walking around, so hopefully it is not too serious.”
And here's Maro Itoje speaking to Sky Sports
13:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle“I think it was a step forward. We left a few tries out there. We wanted to be a bit more clinical, and we invited a lot of pressure back on ourselves. But we are playing rugby against good teams, we are learning on the go so we’ll take it.
“You are always happy to win. We know there is loads more. We know we can be better. That is the exciting challenge and opportunity for us. We’ve got another tough game, we expect, on Saturday, and then we are into it and the real fun begins.”
Jamison Gibson-Park is the player of the match
12:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle“We are happy with the result, in the end,” the scrum half tells Sky Sports. “A little bit of a patchy performance but we have to pay respect to the Brumbies, they came with some nice plans and executed well.
“We were just a little bit stop-start. We had some nice passages but there is plenty to review. It’s a little bit of a funny feeling in the camp, but we’ll get better for Saturday. We came out hoping to execute better. There’s plenty to work on both sides of the ball.”
FT: Brumbies 24-36 Lions
12:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt feels like the words mixed bag are becoming a familiar refrain on this Lions tour - some good, some bad again from the tourists, never likely to lose but unable to pull away from a battling Brumbies side that showed their spirit and strength. If that was a first outing for the bulk of the Test team en masse, improvements will be required in Brisbane in 10 days’ time.
FULL TIME: Brumbies 24-36 Lions
12:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
NO TRY! Brumbies 24-36 Lions, 82 minutes
12:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions finish with a flourish! Ollie Chessum started their scoring and bundles over with the final play...or does he? The TMO will have a look after Pierre Brousset had been quick to give it on the field. There might be a hand beneath the ball...
Chalked off. That’ll do us.
YELLOW CARD! Tom Hooper is sin binned - Brumbies 24-36 Lions, 80 minutes
12:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe hooter blares to confirm that the Lions will not be beaten, as they were by the Brumbies in 2013. Tom Hooper will end the game in the sin bin - the blindside flanker’s deliberate knock on affords the tourists one last offensive in Canberra.
Brumbies 24-36 Lions, 79 minutes
12:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleA fumble on the floor from Maro Itoje after the maul is stalled ends that adventure.
Brumbies 24-36 Lions, 77 minutes
12:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe breakdown has been a mighty mess for the Lions all too often tonight. They do get the right side of the referee’s whistle on this occasion to allow a kick to the corner as this really hard-fought contest nears an end.
TRY! BRUMBIES 24-36 Lions (Liam Bowron, 75 minutes)
12:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Brumbies have a fourth score!
Well, that will really frustrate the Lions. They have been in total control for large periods of this second half yet twice now they’ve conceded, Liam Bowron the man to punch over from close range here.
Brumbies 17-36 Lions, 74 minutes
12:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleA bright period for the Brumbies as they earn a penalty 10 metres from the Lions line. Just as Ryan Lonergan was earlier, Maro Itoje is called into the headmaster’s office for a chat - his side are warned that a card will come if they intringe again.
Brumbies 17-36 Lions, 72 minutes
12:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleMore ruck woes, though, for the tourists. Luke Reimer in over the top - the flanker was outstanding for Australia A against their English counterparts at the Twickenham Stoop last November, and looked like a player who may force his way into the Wallabies this year. But he hasn’t even been able to command a starting place all the time in this Brumbies team - a sign of the openside depth the country as, amid a fair few other ills with rugby union in Australia.
Brumbies 17-36 Lions, 70 minutes
12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleYikes. A frighteningly forceful scrum from the replacement Lions front row, the Brumbies put in the most rushed retreat but spared a penalty with the ball bobbling free from Jack Conan’s feet. Marcus Smith kicks in behind the Brumbies with the Lions still playing a terratorial game as time ticks away.
Alex Mitchell is the last of their contingent off the bench, stepping in for Jamison Gibson-Park.
TRY! Brumbies 17-36 LIONS (Josh van der Flier, 68 minutes)
12:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother burly maul from the British and Irish Lions and Josh van der Flier snuffles out his score!
Denied earlier by a Brumbies limb (or a lack of available footage), the flanker safely gets ball to ground on this occasion with resistance limited as the power came on from the Lions forwards. Finn Russell adds the conversion.
Brumbies 17-29 Lions, 66 minutes
12:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAdvantage coming for the Lions as they spread it to the right, and there goes Henry Pollock! In a flash, the 20-year-old flanker fights free of two tackles to make 20 metres.
Andrew Porter is felled with the Brumbies offside, one of three penalties in quick succession. Home skipper Ryan Lonergan is warned about his side’s conduct as his counterpart points to the corner. Finn Russell follows Maro Itoje’s instruction.
Brumbies 17-29 Lions, 63 minutes
12:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleA special moment for Mack Hansen: the wing comes on in his home city of Canberra to face his former side in a British and Irish Lions shirt. James Lowe is taken off - not, perhaps, the wing’s best outing but surely still well-placed for the No 11 shirt.
PENALTY! Brumbies 17-29 LIONS (Finn Russell, 61 minutes)
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleFinn Russell pops it through.
Ronan Kelleher is on for Dan Sheehan, who will surely be cotton-wooled until the first Test. The hooker feels a certain starter in Brisbane and had a very good outing.
Brumbies 17-26 Lions, 60 minutes
12:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleA penalty to the Lions as a Brumbie flops off his feet after a Jamison Gibson-Park snipe. What’s the decision? Maro Itoje gathers the troops and...points to the posts. Well well well. More signs of Test preparation, or acknowledgement that this game is far from won?
Brumbies 17-26 Lions, 59 minutes
12:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s a really mature decision from Finn Russell, slow ball kicked cannily to the corner rather than attempting to force something to a couple of teammates calling for the ball outside him. The Brumbies execute their exit drill but escape only to 15 metres out with Declan Meredith’s clearance shallow.
Brumbies 17-26 Lions, 58 minutes
12:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleHenry Pollock replaces Joe McCarthy, the youngster presumably going to the blindside with Ollie Chessum pushed forward into the second row alongside Maro Itoje.
NO TRY! Brumbies 17-26 Lions, 57 minutes
12:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs you were. It may be that Van der Flier has got it down, but there is not a conclusive angle that shows it. Monsieur Brousset is advised to remain with his on-field call; the Brumbies will have a goalline dropout.
Try? Brumbies 17-26 Lions, 57 minutes
12:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleNow then! The British and Irish Lions prod a penalty to the corner and a great writhing mass of red shirts slowly makes its way to the line. Josh van der Flier arises cock-a-hoop - referee Pierre Brousset’s initial read was that the ball had been held up, but he wants confirmation from TMO Marius van der Westhuizen.
Brumbies 17-26 Lions, 54 minutes
12:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions scrum just creaked slightly at the first engagement after the withdrawal of the starting props, but Andrew Porter and Will Stuart begin to put the pressure on at this Brumbies feed. A word, though, for Tadhg Furlong, who I thought looked much better tonight and is surely favourite to start on the tighthead for a third tour in succession come the first Test in Sydney.
Brumbies 17-26 Lions, 54 minutes
12:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleJosh van der Flier is on the park for the Lions, replacing Tom Curry. Jamison Gibson-Park knocks on at the base of a ruck - was there a sly hand in there from Tuaina Taii Tualima? If so, the No 8 has got away with it.
TRY! BRUMBIES 17-26 Lions (Hudson Creighton, 51 minutes)
12:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe simplest of scores from the scrum! That’s pretty ropey defence from the Lions, a miscommunication between Garry Ringrose and Tommy Freeman leaving a great gaping chasm through which Hudson Creighton romps.
Ringrose rushed up to shut down the space but Freeman did not go with him, backing off in an attempt to cover the last man on the line and thus helpless as Creighton hits an unders line to chop back inside him. Freeman’s error, you’d say - that close to your line, you can’t really afford not to blitz up.
Brumbies 10-26 Lions, 50 minutes
12:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleOops! Nearly a nightmare for the Lions as Tommy Freeman rushes a pass through the grasp of Jamison Gibson-Park on his own hands, the wing forced to scramble to pick up the pieces and avert disaster. It will be a Brumbies scrum five out, though.
Changes for both teams. Liam Bowron and arch scavenger Luke Reimer are on for Lachlan Lonergan and Rory Scott for the Brumbies; the Lions bring on Andrew Porter and Will Stuart for Ellis Genge and Tahdg Furlong.
TRY! Brumbies 10-26 LIONS (Garry Ringrose, 48 minutes)
12:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleFinally, a fluent, flowing and fabulous strike move from the Lions!
This is very, very bright attacking play. Garry Ringrose squares things up at the line and has two options on his shoulder, Bundee Aki looping out the back with Marcus Smith hitting the short line. Ringrose eschews the pair of them, each and every defender buying his dummy and allowing the Irishman to hurry into space.
Smith is found soon after, and the replacement full-back returns the ball to Ringrose in an extended one-two with a grubber that the centre gathers and grounds a metre or so from the dead-ball line. Much, much more like it from the tourists.
Brumbies 10-19 Lions, 45 minutes
12:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Brumbies really have made sure to get properly into every contest today. They’ve really made sure the Lions don’t have an easy ride in any area, whether it is flooding the breakdown or sending two or three bodies after each kick. Ben O’Donnell very nearly wins the latest up-and-under, though knocks on.
Brumbies 10-19 Lions, 44 minutes
12:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleLoose again from the Brumbies at the lineout, their set up drawing the peep of referee Pierre Brousset’s whistle - the receiver was not two metres from the lineout at the time of Lonergan’s throw, resulting in a free kick.
Brumbies 10-19 Lions, 43 minutes
12:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is a delay before they can throw the lineout, though, with hooker Lachlan Lonergan - Ryan’s brother - slightly sore.
By the time he trudges over to the oche to throw his darts, the LIons have had time to ready a contest, and successfully steal it.
Brumbies 10-19 Lions, 42 minutes
12:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleCorey Toole then scorches up the left touchline, showing off that speed that makes him such a threat. Ryan Lonergan is played by a Lions player at the base of a ruck; penalty to the Brumbies, kicked into the 22.
Brumbies 10-19 Lions, 41 minutes
12:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack to basics from the British and Irish Lions to start the half, box kicks from Jamison Gibson-Park launched twice in quick succession and won back. Tom Curry gives possession away with an errant pass, though.
Lions forward coach John Dalziel talks to Sky Sports at half time
12:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle“It was important to get that score at the end there,” Dalziel says. The Brumbies are a good side, a very spirited start from them, but I feel we grew into the game. The message is to stay accurate in what we do and hopefully we’ll get some speed at the breakdown. We’ve had a lot of possesison, it’s been a good contest on both sides. We just need to be a little bit more clean.
“Blair has got a knock and he felt it stiffening up. At this stage, it is just precautionary, but we’ll see.”
The second half is underway.
HT: Brumbies 10-19 Lions
11:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell will also be worried about Blair Kinghorn’s injury, the full-back off after 25 minutes having been hobbled early on. The Scot looked distraught as he was eventually replaced having punched the floor after the initial injury.
Certainly, though, if this is to be something resembling the Test team, Farrell will be hoping for far greater cohesion and connection in the second 40.
HT: Brumbies 10-19 Lions
11:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleA mixed bag again, you’d have to say, from the British and Irish Lions, though some glimpses of their Test strategy suggest a plan becoming clearer. Contestable kicks to win territory have been a theme, as has a slightly more direct approach that has brought success on the gainline - but some familiar problems with accuracy at the breakdown and in their handling have just slowed them slightly, and it was another terrible 10 minutes to open the game.
Full credit to the Brumbies, who set the tone with their physicality in that first period.
HALF TIME: Brumbies 10-19 Lions
11:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
TRY! Brumbies 10-19 LIONS (Marcus Smith, 41 minutes)
11:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions strike on the the stroke of half time!
The Brumbies think there is a knock on as Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum combine to gather the high hoist from the dropout, but the officials are happy it has gone backwards of home hands. The Lions thus have both promising position and momentum from which to play, and Finn Russell is swiftly organising them into attacking shape. The Scottish fly half scuttles towards the defensive line and delays his pass perfectly for Tom Curry to run on to, with the flanker just as adroitly offloading for Marcus Smith to complete the scoring job. Russell’s conversion sends the Lions down the tunnel in a more optimistic mood.
Brumbies 10-12 Lions, 39 minutes
11:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions just can’t quite get going fully yet. James Lowe quick-steps out of a tackle and finds Maro Itoje with an offload, but the Lions are short of numbers and unable to build on the break as they come back the other way. Marcus Smith drills a skudder over the dew-dampened surface that hits the corner flag, bouncing into the Brumbies’ in-goal area and forcing a goalline dropout.
TRY! BRUMBIES 10-12 Lions (Corey Toole, 37 minutes)
11:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleCorey Toole turns on the jets and in the wing flies!
The Brumbies maul earns advantage, granting them the licence to go wide. Ben O’Donnell inserts himself off the blindside wing and throws a lovely looping pass out to speedster Toole, who is much too quick to be stopped from there. Marcus Smith was perhaps too far inside, however, as the covering man sweeping underneath - the Lions were numbered up well inside him.
Brumbies 5-12 Lions, 35 minutes
11:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd the Lions can’t escape! Jack Conan just about corrals a bouncing ball having again been the target beyond the tail, but the Brumbies’ ruck efforts are rewarded with a penalty. A great chance for a second score as they hit the corner.
Brumbies 5-12 Lions, 34 minutes
11:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleRussell employs the left boot to clear his lines having been pushed back by a field-flipping punt by the Brumbies. Andy Muirhead gathers but loses himself in a thicket of Lions as he attempts to counter.
That’s terrific, mind, from scrum half Ryan Lonergan, a perfectly judged box kick trapping the Lions six metres from their own line. A pressure lineout for Dan Sheehan to throw...
Brumbies 5-12 Lions, 32 minutes
11:38 , Harry Latham-CoylePerhaps for the first time all tour, Finn Russell forces something, a cross-kick not quite right for Tommy Freeman. The fly half has played very, very solidly since arriving in Australia, though we know there is more creativity to come if required.
TRY! Brumbies 5-12 LIONS (James Lowe, 30 minutes)
11:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s no denying James Lowe this time!
Perhaps guilty of being a touch tentative with the finish earlier, this time the Lions wing is forceful in powering to the corner and planting firmly. It was again lively interplay inside him, Finn Russell connecting with Bundee Aki and then Garry Ringrose’s transfer sharp and swift. Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan, having started the passage by combining at the lineout, are the requisite connecting hands to send Lowe in untouched.
Russell is on the money from the tee.
Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 29 minutes
11:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleVariation at the lineout, Dan Sheehan tossing over the tail to Jack Conan as some smart training ground sketching gets the Lions on the move.
Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 27 minutes
11:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe breakdown is becoming a brutal battleground here. Pierre Brousset is happy enough to allow a strong contest and the Lions get their hands in on halfway after David Feliuai is isolated over on the left.
Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 25 minutes
11:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleOh dear! This could be a real blow both for the British and Irish Lions and, particularly, Blair Kinghorn - having hobbled on for 20 minutes or so since that early injury, the full-back is hooked, ending his chance of really seizing that No 15 shirt. One hopes it isn’t an issue of the tour-ending type, but with Hugo Keenan far from his best against the Waratahs and Elliot Daly already off the tour, full-back is becoming a bit of a problem position.
Enter, then, Marcus Smith, with 55 minutes to perhaps stake his own claim.
Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 24 minutes
11:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat had been a really nice bit of attacking play from the Lions to create the space, too, Finn Russell orchestrating out of the back.
Their return to the 22 is scuppered by Ryan Longergan, the little Brumbies scrum half jackalling like a broad-backed flanker.
NO TRY! Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 23 minutes
11:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleHe has! That’s butchery of the highest order from the British and Irish Lions, so much space as they moved it away to the left but Kinghorn failing to fully draw Muirhead and Lowe then a touch passive in attempting to force his way through the full-back to the line. Very, very strange from two characters who are usually so sharp in that situation - and full credit to Muirhead for an outstanding last-ditch effort.
Try? Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 23 minutes
11:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleA try seems certain to come as the Lions put it through the hands, Blair Kinghorn’s toss to James Lowe perhaps slightly early but the Irishman still favourite to score. Has Brumbies full-back Andy Muirhead somehow got underneath him, though?
Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 22 minutes
11:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Brumbies, much like the other Australian sides, are putting plenty of men into the breakdown. Lachie Shaw oversteps the mark, though, as he biffs Jamison Gibson-Park out of the way and is penalised for taking out the nine. To the corner the Lions go.
Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 20 minutes
11:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleExcellent work from Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan in the tackle, the former high, the latter low as they halt Tom Hooper in his tracks - and the flanker rips the ball free from Hooper’s normally vice-like grip. Curry probably needs a few moments like that to hold off the challenge of Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan for that No 7 shirt.
Sheehan soon shows the other side of his game, swatting aside Corey Toole as if a mosquito before racing up the touchline for 30 metres. He really is some athlete, the hooker.
Brumbies 5-5 Lions, 18 minutes
11:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions forwards are starting to make their presence known. Dan Sheehan and the busy Chessum make dents before Tom Curry’s clever transfer puts Tommy Freeman into a half hole. Yet their ambitions are checked on this occasion by a breakdown errort, Corey Toole stepping away having feigned a jackal but Ellis Genge still penalised for losing his feet as he attempted to clearout.
The Lions are then offside in the backline at the lineout. Rare.
TRY! Brumbies 5-5 LIONS (Ollie Chessum, 16 minutes)
11:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Ollie Chessum strides in! Very, very efficient from the Lions, taking their chance after the twin demolition jobs affected by the scrum and Bundee Aki.
Jamison Gibson-Park picks his moment to widen it before Finn Russell darts and draws, two tacklers tickling his ribs with the ball already gone and Chessum galloping in open pasture. Russell fails to add the extra two.
Brumbies 5-0 Lions, 15 minutes
11:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleA destructive scrum and then Bundee Aki bashes down the door! Straightforward and simple from the Lions and the momentum builds...
Brumbies 5-0 Lions, 14 minutes
11:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Chessum and the rest of the Lions forward cohort will get an opportunity to pack down on their own feed as Brumbies centre David Feliuai loses his handle on the ball, the baguette spilled from under his arm after the No 12 had tucked it away to take contact.
Brumbies 5-0 Lions, 13 minutes
11:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother worry for Andy Farrell - now Ollie Chessum is down! The large lock-cum-flanker is helped to his feet by a couple of medics and will pack down on the blindside at a scrum, though it’s another potential issue to monitor.
Brumbies 5-0 Lions, 13 minutes
11:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Brumbies are doing a good job in these opening skirmishes in shutting down the passing lanes, getting in the eyeline of Finn Russell by rushing up outside. This feels a much more Test-like approach from the Lions, too, both Russell and Jamison Gibson-Park going to contestable kicks early and often rather than looking to play. It is unsurprising to see that shift with the games with the Wallabies drawing nearer.
Brumbies 5-0 Lions, 11 minutes
11:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleKinghorn receives brief treatment but appears OK to continue for now. Marcus Smith is on the bench if required, while all of Tommy Freeman, James Lowe and Mack Hansen have played at 15 in the past. The Scot is moving a little gingerly, though - this is his third start in 11 days, including a gruelling Top 14 final win for Toulouse.
Brumbies 5-0 Lions, 9 minutes
11:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleTo make matters worse for the Lions, their full-back appears to be hobbling, Blair Kinghorn limping about a bit and trying to run his injury off.
That’s very, very poor, too: Bundee Aki hurls a pass five yards in front of James Lowe and straight into touch.
Brumbies 5-0 Lions, 8 minutes
11:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions scrum has, however, gone well on tour and earns a free kick. Away Gibson-Park goes in haste as the visitors launch their first attack in earnest...though they are turned over with a thumping counter-ruck on the right touchline! Ruck detail again an issue...
Brumbies 5-0 Lions, 7 minutes
11:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions just can’t seem to get their starts right. In every game, they’ve been sloppy or slow in getting going - something they surely can’t afford come the Test series.
A lineout is far from smoothly performed but Jamison Gibson-Park settles proceedings, and his teammates, down with a hanging box kick that the Brumbies can’t successfully field. It’ll be a Lions scrum 30 metres out on the left.
TRY! BRUMBIES 5-0 Lions (Tuaina Taii Tualima, 5 minutes)
11:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou bet they can! A dynamite start from the Brumbies - and another stumble out of the blocks from the Lions...
Canberra is jumping and so is Tuaina Taii Tualima, evading a couple of low Lions to get to the line...just about! The initial footage isn’t totally conclusive but Pierre Brousset is quick to give it on the field, and the right angle is soon found.
Brumbies 0-0 Lions, 3 minutes
11:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleClever! A neat and nifty move at the front delivers real momentum as Rhys van Nek thunders into a couple of Lions. Can the Brumbies convert this into an opening score?
Brumbies 0-0 Lions, 2 minutes
11:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Brumbies probe the right corner and soon earn an advantage for offside following a short maul drive. Maro Itoje’s defensive effort is more accurate but the Brumbies will come back for the penalty, and Declan Meredith returns them to the corner - their lineout operated very well in Super Rugby Pacific this year.
Brumbies 0-0 Lions, 1 minute
11:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions get hands to the opening kick off but the Brumbies are quickly upon it. And that’s sloppy from the tourists, Dan Sheehan blocking as he retreats after a high hanging box kick from Brumbies skipper Ryan Lonergan. A good chase from Ben O’Donnell, one of two former Australia Sevens stars on the wing for the hosts tonight.
KICK OFF!
11:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleA blast of the whistle and Finn Russell gets things underway!
Lions vs Brumbies
11:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleOut the players come into the chilly Canberra night, a few of the Lions backs donning undershirts to keep warm.
Here we go
10:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, kick off is near in Canberra. It’s Frenchman Pierre Brousset leading the officiating team today, the referee having hot-footed it down from Newcastle after overseeing Australia’s win against Fiji on Sunday. The Lions and Brumbies have developed something of a rivalry over their last two meetings, separated by 12 years, with the Canberra side pushing the tourists mightily close in 2001 before beating them in 2013. A repeat result feels unlikely here but you never, never know...
What will the Lions be looking for tonight?
10:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is properly cold in Canberra, those in attendance layered up with overnight temperatures not far above freezing. The Lions have suggested this week that they want to go through the front door a little more often having admitted themselves that they’ve gone wide too early too often during their recent tour games - expect a bit more up the jumper stuff, though married to some trademark Irish intricacy.
This feels like a big night for flankers Ollie Chessum and Tom Curry - the latter particularly is facing huge competition for that No 7 shirt but has so much proof of turning it on when the biggest matches come, and vital Lions experience in a squad slightly short on past tourists. Chessum, meanwhile, really balances this pack.
Owen Farrell closes in on Lions return: ‘He’s not missed a beat’
10:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleOwen Farrell is not involved today as he works through the last lingering effects of the long journey to Australia, but the Englishman is on track to potentially start on Saturday against the AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide. One would say that this Lions 23 tonight looks short on centre cover - a 10/12 option on the bench would be a neat fit if this is to prove something like the construction for the Tests. Let the speculation continue....
Owen Farrell closes in on Lions return: ‘He’s not missed a beat’
Joe Schmidt throws serious doubt on Australia’s chances of beating Lions after narrow Fiji escape
10:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Wallabies didn’t exactly look too flash in Newcastle, Fiji rather unfortunate not to come away with victory having been the better team for large periods of the encounter. Australia boss Joe Schmidt struck a pessimistic tone post-match.
Schmidt throws doubt on Australia’s chances of beating Lions after narrow Fiji escape
Australia fly half Noah Lolesio set to miss Lions series after undergoing neck surgery
10:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleMeanwhile, there was some very, very bad news for the Wallabies yesterday with first choice fly half Noah Lolesio ruled out of the Test series against the Lions after undergoing surgery. Lolesio was taken off on a stretcher after a worrying whiplash incident during Australia’s narrow win over Fiji in Newcastle on Sunday, and was forced back into hospital for a medical procedure yesterday having initially been discharged. Thankfully, it seems he will make a full recovery but it is a real shame he will not feature.
Australia fly half Noah Lolesio set to miss Lions series after undergoing surgery
Homecoming for Hansen
10:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleMack Hansen rolled into Canberra with the British & Irish Lions on Monday but it was far from a trip into the unknown for the Ireland winger, who will play for the tourists off the bench against the Brumbies today.
The 27-year-old was born, raised and schooled in the Australian capital and played four seasons at the Brumbies before upping sticks and trying his luck in Ireland, the birthplace of his mother.
Hansen's rise over the last four years has been little short of meteoric with 12 tries in 28 tests for Ireland, a trip to the World Cup in 2023, and now his selection to the Lions squad taking him back to his hometown.
"It's incredible," Hansen said on Monday.
"It's a bit of a pinch-me moment, not in my wild dreams could I imagine I'd be back here playing for the Lions. So it's very special."
Hansen said about 30 friends and family members would be in the crowd at Canberra Stadium, just as he was as a teenager when the Brumbies beat the Lions 14-12 on the 2013 tour.
There will be two old friends on the pitch as well in the shape of the Lonergan brothers, Brumbies scrumhalf Ryan and hooker Lachlan.
"I grew up playing against them my whole life, so it'll be nice," Hansen said.
"They're two of my best mates, especially, and I haven't played against them in a while. So that'll be a nice little switch up."
Team news - Lions
10:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions selection has a very Test-like look with Andy Farrell perhaps using this as an opportunity to examine his likely combinations for the opening clash with the Wallabies in Brisbane. Maro Itoje returns as captain as part of a pack that includes an extra long-limbed lineout jumper in Ollie Chessum, who is stationed on the blindside opposite Tom Curry with Jack Conan completing the back row. Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong remains as a unit, stepping up in the front row after appearing off the bench against the Waratahs.
In the halves, it is Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell who will aim to find fluidity, with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose a familiar centre partnership beyond them. Blair Kinghorn moves from the wing to full-back. On the bench, it will be a proud day for Mack Hansen - born in Canberra, the Ireland wing will take on a few familiar friends and foes four years after leaving the Brumbies to join Connacht.
Lions XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Joe McCarthy; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Finn Russell; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Andrew Porter, 18 Will Stuart, 19 Josh van der Flier, 20 Henry Pollock; 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Marcus Smith, 23 Mack Hansen.
Our team to face the Brumbies in Canberra! 🦁#Lions2025
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 7, 2025
Team news - Brumbies
10:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleBrothers Tom and Lachie Hooper could play together for the first time as professionals after being named in the Brumbies matchday 23, with the former - the elder of the two - making a final appearance for the Canberra side ahead of a move to Exeter next season. He starts on the blindside after appearing off the bench for the Wallabies in the narrow win over Fiji on Sunday.
Lock Cadeyrn Neville is set to take on the Lions for a second time in his career having been part of the Melbourne Rebels selection beaten during the 2013 tour, while full-back Andy Muirhead may take the tourists on twice in a matter of weeks - having played every minute of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, Muirhead will be part of the First Nations & Pasifika invitational team in Melbourne between the first and second Tests.
Brumbies XV: 1 Lington Ieli, 2 Lachlan Lonergan, 3 Rhys van Nek; 4 Lachie Shaw, 5 Cadeyrn Neville; 6 Tom Hooper, 7 Rory Scott, 8 Tuaina Tali Talima; 9 Ryan Lonergan (capt.), 10 Declan Meredith; 11 Corey Toole, 12 David Feliuai, 13 Ollie Sapsford, 14 Ben O’Donnell; 15 Andy Muirhead.
Replacements: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Cameron Orr, 18 Feao Fotuaika, 19 Lachie Hooper, 20 Luke Reimer; 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Hudson Creighton.
Team is in for @lionsofficial 🦁
— ACT Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) July 7, 2025
The Hooper brothers could play together for the first time in a professional capacity.
Prop Cameron Orr has also been drafted in for this game and could also make his Brumbies debut from the bench.
Read more: https://t.co/qPplU221kJ pic.twitter.com/t8KQSAwZvZ
Tonight's cast list...
09:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, with about an hour until kick off in Canberra, let’s take a closer look at the two sides on show...
When do the Lions play Australia?
09:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleFour down, six to go - this is the penultimate tour game before the first Test as the Lions’ preparations intensify in Canberra.
When do the Lions play Australia? Full tour schedule and how to watch on TV
Andy Farrell felt NSW Waratahs deliberately watered pitch to hinder Lions
09:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleA poor performance from the Lions led to a strange accusation from their head coach, with Andy Farrell suggesting that the Waratahs had too heavily watered the playing surface - an idea laughed off by the hosts:
Andy Farrell felt NSW Waratahs deliberately watered pitch to hinder Lions
Error-strewn British and Irish Lions labour to victory over Waratahs
09:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell will be hoping for far, far better from his side than the showing that they produced in Sydney on Saturday, a wretched performance in many way nonetheless result in a win over the Waratahs.
Error-strewn British and Irish Lions labour to victory over Waratahs
‘Open-minded’ Andy Farrell says Lions Test places still up for grabs
09:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell picked his strongest British and Irish Lions team to take on ACT Brumbies with a warning they have yet to guarantee their selection for the first Test against Australia.
Maro Itoje returns as captain for the Canberra showdown to lead a starting XV full of players considered first choice in their positions, including half-backs Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell.
The Brumbies are the strongest of Australia’s Super Rugby franchises, having finished third in the table, and the fixture is being treated as a dry run for the series opener against the Wallabies on 19 July.
But Farrell insisted his Lions stars still have to earn the jersey after leaving the door open for others to stake their claim, with Saturday’s match against an AUNZ Invitational XV the final opportunity to impress.
‘Open-minded’ Andy Farrell says Lions Test places still up for grabs
Lions offer Test selection clues in strong side to face Brumbies
09:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleYes, today’s selection looks distinctly Test-y as Andy Farrell perhaps gets closer to narrowing down his 23 for Brisbane.
Lions offer Test selection clues in strong side to face Brumbies
Brumbies vs British and Irish Lions live
Tuesday 8 July 2025 13:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleA very good morning. The pointy end of this British and Irish Lions tour is creeping ever closer, the first Test looming large with just two games to go until the tourists take on the Wallabies in Brisbane. Andy Farrell and his side are in chilly Canberra as things hot up in a meeting with the Brumbies in which the Lions boss appears to have given plenty of his first-choice combinations a run - but who will pass or fail this potential Test audition?
Kick off is at 11am BST.
