It is advantage to The British and Irish Lions in the series against Australia thanks to a First Test win in Brisbane. Ultimately it was a game of two halves as Andy Farrell’s side were the dominant force in the first-half, leading 17-5 at the break thanks in part to a brilliant performance from Finn Russell.
Billed as strong favourites to win the first Test at Suncorp Stadium, the tourists surpassed expectations by taking the Wallabies apart in a first half that exposed the gulf in class between the rivals. However, despite winning 27-19, their play became far more ragged in the final half-hour with Australia's bench having greater impact.
Despite losing by eight, Australia finished the stronger side in a development that bodes well for the Tests to come in Melbourne and Sydney over the next fortnight and it is hoped bulldozing forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini will return from their calf injuries imminently to take part. Follow the game back below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Lions vs Australia latest news
- TRY! McDermott sets up nervy finale
- TRY! Tizzano gives Australia hope
- NO TRY! TMO review rules out Sua'ali'i effort
- TRY! Sheehan puts Lions further ahead
- TRY! Curry extends Lions' lead
- TRY! Jorgensen gets Australia on the board
- DISALLOWED TRY! Jones denied after TMO review
- TRY! Tuipulotu adds to Lions' fast start
- PENALTY! Russell gives Lions a dream start
Lions 27-19 Australia
12:57 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTadh Beirne named man of the match.
FULL-TIME!
12:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLions 27-19 Australia
Lions win in Brisbane again! They go 1-0 up in the best of three series.
Australia have to do it the hard way.
TRY! Lions 27-19 Australia
12:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne78 min: Not long left but Tate McDermott reduces the deficit before Donaldson with another conversion.
PENALTY! Lions
12:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: Marcus Smith puts the game out of reach, surely?!
Lions 24-12 Australia
12:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: Feels like an age since the Lions have been in Australia’s 22 and they win a penalty right under the posts.
Lions 24-12 Australia
12:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: Lions just aiming to take the sting out of the game. Australia have been the dominant side for much of the second half, but can they mount an unlikely comeback?
TRY! Lions 24-12 Australia
12:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: This one will count as Carlo Tizzano forces the ball over the line.
Donaldson with the conversion. Glimmer of hope for Australia with 11 minutes remaining.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne63 min: Potter with a brilliant kick down the line for him to chase, he gets to the ball first but a bounce takes it away from him right at the vital moment.
DISALLOWED TRY!
12:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Just like in the first-half, the try does not stand.
Desperately unlucky for the hosts.
TRY! Lions 24-10 Australia
12:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i wriggles over the line, but similar to a try in the first-half, a TMO review is in play.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne59 min: Hooper is also on for the hosts.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne59 min: Itoje gets a yellow card warning.
Australia make a change as Gordon is replaced by McDermott.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Wilson with some big contributions for Australia but this Lions defence are stubborn.
Lions makes changes as Stewart and Earl are on.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne56 min: This is much better from Australia, just in terms of sustained pressure.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne52 min: Australia get a penalty following a scrum, Lynagh with a big kick to gets the hosts up the pitch.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: That sums it all up for Australia today, they can’t find a way through this Lions defence and then Williams fails to take a simple pass into his stride.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne49 min: CHANGES!
Andrew Porter is on for Ellis Genge.
Angus Bell and Billy Pollard are on for Australia.
Meanwhile, a TMO review is taking place.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne49 min: More good play from Curry in Australia’s 22 as the Lions keep the pressure on.
Lions 24-5 Australia
12:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Joe McCarthy has been replaced by Ollie Chessum.
Looks like an injury for McCarthy as he was not walking comfortably as he limped off.
TRY! Lions 24-5 Australia
12:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne42 min: It’s the Lions who make a fast start to the second half as Dan Sheehan pulls his side further away. Superb work from Tom Curry in the build up.
Finn Russell with the conversion from right near the touchline.
Lions 17-5 Australia
12:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in the First Test!
Australia need a strong start in the second half.
Lions 17-5 Australia
11:59 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSome eye-catching half-time stats...
Possession: Aus 44% - Lions 56%
Carries: Aus 47 - Lions 68
Line breaks: Aus 2 - Lions 6
Turnovers won: Aus 5 - Lions 3
Penalties conceded: Aus 3 - Lions 5
Tackle completion: Aus 75% - Lions 88%
Lions 17-5 Australia
11:57 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLions head coach Andy Farrell will be very happy with the first-half performance, though he may feel his side should be further ahead on the scoreboard.
McCarthy was inches away from a try whilst Huw Jones has seen a try disallowed.
Lions 17-5 Australia
11:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNot much has gone right for Australia so far. They need a fast start in the second half otherwise they could be on the end of a blowout.
HALF-TIME!
11:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLions 17-5 Australia
Finn Russell has been superb with the Lions on top at the break in the First Test.
TRY! Lions 17-5 Australia
11:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: Itoje is held up and the Lions gets another penalty.
Tom Curry goes over the line for a try as Lions’ dominance finally pays off.
Finn Russell with a successful conversion.
Lions 10-5 Australia
11:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne34 min: Brilliant response from the Lions as they crank up the pressure on Australia.
Lions 10-5 Australia
11:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: CLOSE
Russell, who else?, with a superb pass out to McCarthy who is inches away from a try.
TRY! Lions 10-5 Australia | Max Jorgensen
11:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne28 min: That is the moment the home side needed as Max Jorgensen goes over the line. Quite literally out of nothing for Australia.
Lynagh is unable to add the conversion.
Lions 10-0 Australia
11:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne26 min: Genge powers his way through the middle but is eventually stopped before a flare up between both sets of players, something for the referee to sort out.
Both captains are told that was a freebie, next time players will be punished. Good refereeing.
Lions 10-0 Australia
11:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Australia with the turnover as possession goes back and forth.
Tommy Freeman with a slight error as his chip and chase goes straight out.
Lions 10-0 Australia
11:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: Potter goes long with a big kick, but Keenan watches the ball bounce out of play. Crucially he did not touch the ball, but it was a close call.
Lions 10-0 Australia
11:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne21 min: That could be a huge moment in the First Test and you just wonder what state Australia’s confidence would have been in had the Lions gone 17-0 up.
DISALLOWED TRY!
11:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: Lions crack Australia open down the left and it’s a superb finish from Huw Jones.
However, following a TMO review, the try is disallowed!
Lions 10-0 Australia
11:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne18 min: Australia are advancing towards Lions’ 22. But they are facing a stern Lions defence.
Superb stuff from the Lions as they win the ball back.
Lions 10-0 Australia
11:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne13 min: Pointing out the obvious, but Finn Russell is running the show. That offload to pick out Sione Tuipulotu was superb.
TRY! Lions 10-0 Australia
11:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: LIONS TRY
What a pass from Russell out to Tuipulotu who goes over.
Russell with a successful conversion.
Lions 3-0 Australia
11:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne6 min: McReight wins the battle against Itoje and Australia are able to gain possession.
PENALTY LIONS
11:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: No problem at all for Finn Russell as he converts the penalty to give the Lions a dream start.
Lions 0-0 Australia
11:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 min: Perfect start for Lions as they are awarded a penalty in the first breakdown.
KICK-OFF!
11:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in the First Test.
It is the best of three, so who will strike first in Brisbane?
Let's find out!
Australia anthem
11:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNo national anthem for the Lions, but it’s a rousing rendition of the Australia national anthem.
Here we go!
10:58 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere come the players!
Final preparations
10:56 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLions captain Maro Itoje rallies the troops inside the dressing room.
The prize
10:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is what the Lions and Australia are playing for!
Not long now
10:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneKick-off in the First Test is in around 15 minutes!
A huge day for Tom Lynagh
10:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneA proud moment for the Lynagh family.
Tom Lynagh follows in the footsteps of father Michael Lynagh in the First Test this morning.
Today's teams
10:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is a reminder of the line-ups for this morning’s First Test.
Lions XV: Keenan; Freeman, Jones, Tuipulotu, Lowe; Russell, Gibson-Park; Genge, Sheehan, Furlong; Itoje (c), McCarthy; Beirne, Curry, Conan
Replacements: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Chessum, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Aki
Australia XV: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lynagh, Gordon; Alaalatoa, Faessler, Slipper; Frost, Williams; Champion de Crespigny, McReight, Wilson (c)
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Hooper, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway
Coin toss
10:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Lions have won the coin toss and have elected to kick off.
Out in Brisbane
10:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFans are soaking up the atmosphere in Brisbane.
The wait is over (nearly)
10:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe 12 year wait is over 😤#Wallabies #LionsTour2025 pic.twitter.com/U4cHmyXBXR
— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 19, 2025
Behind the scenes
10:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLive images from inside the British and Irish Lions’ dressing room at the Suncorp Stadium as today’s match shirts are hung up.
Some shirts you keep for a lifetime...#Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/eAlVsCwREQ
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 19, 2025
Lions warm up in style
10:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe British and Irish Lions completed preparations for their upcoming Test series against Australia with a devastating display in Adelaide last weekend.
Andy Farrell’s ruthless side ran in eight tries and Duhan van der Merwe registered a hat-trick against an Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV packed full of internationals, who failed to score a single point in a one-sided 48-0 thrashing.
It was a fifth consecutive win for the Lions as they continued their 100 per cent record Down Under following a farewell loss to Argentina, but comfortably their most complete performance of the summer so far as they improved in a number of key areas and delivered a warning to the Wallabies ahead of the First Test at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
One hour to go
10:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRight then, the countdown is on until kick-off in the First Test.
Just one hour to go!
Stage is set
09:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe stage is set at the Suncorp Stadium.
Joe Schmidt defiant
09:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJoe Schmidt has warned the British and Irish Lions that Australia will still be competitive in Saturday's First Test despite the loss of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini.
In a hammer blow to the Wallabies' hopes of causing an upset in Brisbane, they have lost their two most potent ball-carrying forwards to calf injuries sustained in their training camp.
Both are expected to return for the Second Test in Melbourne but following on from the loss of first choice fly-half Noah Lolesio, Australia have been hit hard on the injury front.
Schmidt, however, insists they will still be a force by drawing on the "quiet confidence" of rookie fly-half Tom Lynagh to guide the way.
Are Australia strong enough to stop a whitewash?
09:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWhisper it, but this series between British and Irish Lions and Australia is crying out for the Wallabies to win one of the first two Test matches to add some welcome spice into a tour that is still to find its edge.
Ideally that win will come in the first Test in Brisbane on Saturday, leaving the Lions with a two-win mountain to climb to capture a first series triumph since 2013 and giving Andy Farrell and his squad a meaty challenge to sink their teeth into. Going into a Test at the MCG in Melbourne 1-0 down? That will sound familiar to anyone who has ever watched England in the Ashes.
Alternatively, the Lions could win in Brisbane and then lose in Melbourne to set up a winner-takes-all decider in Sydney. Either scenario generates some much-needed jeopardy given that the quality of the opposition so far in Australia has not been high enough to truly trouble the Lions so far.
Click here for the big pre-match preview!
Atmosphere building
09:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWelcome to the Lions Den 🌊🔴
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 19, 2025
Brisbane 📍#Lions2025 pic.twitter.com/gENeFd0306
Lions accused of blocking Australia No8 from tour match
09:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe British and Irish Lions have been accused of preventing Pete Samu from appearing for the First Nations and Pasifika XV because they were scared of defeat in Tuesday's final midweek fixture.
Samu has been withdrawn from the side comprising of players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage after it emerged that he did not fulfil strict eligibility criteria having only recently signed for the New South Wales Waratahs.
The composite team replaced the Melbourne Rebels in the Lions' touring schedule after they entered administration and the terms of agreement for the game state only those currently attached to Super Rugby franchises can be selected.
Harry Wilson vows no repeat of Kurtley Beale slip
09:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHarry Wilson has ruled out Australia repeating the agonising moment in 2013 when Kurtley Beale's fateful slip cost the Wallabies a series lead against the British and Irish Lions.
The rivals clash in Saturday's First Test with the condition of the Suncorp Stadium pitch under the spotlight.
Acting as the home ground for the Queensland Reds, Brisbane Broncos and Dolphins, as well as being used to stage concerts, the turf is showing signs of its heavy use.
Read Wilson’s full quotes here!
Australia lineup
09:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAustralia XV: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lynagh, Gordon; Alaalatoa, Faessler, Slipper; Frost, Williams; Champion de Crespigny, McReight, Wilson (c)
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Hooper, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway
Lions lineup
09:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLions XV: Keenan; Freeman, Jones, Tuipulotu, Lowe; Russell, Gibson-Park; Genge, Sheehan, Furlong; Itoje (c), McCarthy; Beirne, Curry, Conan
Replacements: Kelleher, Porter, Stuart, Chessum, Earl, Mitchell, M Smith, Aki
Today's settings
09:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Suncorp Stadium hosts the First Test this morning.
Lions vs Australia match odds
09:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLions to win: 1/4
Australia to win: 10/3
Draw: 22/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Lions vs Australia head to head (h2h) history and results
08:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis is the 10th time that the Lions have toured Australia since 1899, with the trips resuming in 1989 after a 23-year break.
The Lions have won seven of the nine series so far, with the only exceptions coming in 1930 and 2001.
Lions wins: 17
Australia wins: 6
Draws: 0
Score prediction
08:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe absences of Valetini and Skelton are monumental blows for Australia, whose lack of depth is already being shown up badly before the Test series has even begun.
It will also be fascinating to see how Lynagh steps up to the pressure of making his first-ever international start in the cauldron of a Lions Test opener.
The kicking battle will be instrumental, as will Australia’s ability to attack the breakdown and exploit a potential Lions weakness on the floor that was exposed in a number of their warm-up matches, most notably by Charlie Gamble and the Waratahs.
The Lions were big favourites anyway, and it’s so hard to look past them now with that unfortunate Wallabies team news, with Farrell naming a team that will look to make their power felt from the outset.
Lions to win, by 10 points.
Australia team news: Double injury blow
08:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAustralia have been dealt a massive double injury blow with influential forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini remaining absent, though they are expected to be ready for the Second Test in Melbourne.
Jeremy Williams and Nick Frost line up at lock, with Harry Wilson captaining the side from No8 and joined in the back row by Fraser McReight and Nick Champion de Crespigny, who makes his first Wallabies start at 6 with Langi Gleeson having suffered a dead leg.
Tom Lynagh - son of Australia legend Michael Lynagh - is handed his maiden start at fly-half ahead of Ben Donaldson, with first-choice No10 Noah Lolesio ruled out for the series after neck surgery. He is partnered by Jake Gordon at half-back.
Lions team news: Trio win battles
08:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTom Curry and Sione Tuipulotu have won their respective selection battles for the Lions, picked to start at openside flanker and inside centre respectively.
Curry has seen off competition for the No7 shirt from the likes of Josh van der Flier and Jac Morgan, whose absence from the squad means there is no Welsh representation at all for a Lions Test against Australia, South Africa or New Zealand for the first time since 1896.
Tuipulotu lines up with Finn Russell and Huw Jones in an all-Scotland midfield as he prepares to reignite his feisty autumn rivalry with Wallabies star Joseph Suaalii, with Bundee Aki only on the bench and Garry Ringrose ruled out with concussion.
How to watch Lions vs Australia
08:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: Live coverage of the First Test is available via Sky Sports, who have exclusive broadcasting rights to the Lions tour in the UK this summer.
Their broadcast starts at 10am BST on Saturday morning on both Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action. Kick-off is at 11am.
Live stream: Fans with a Sky Sports subscription can also watch the First Test live online via the Sky Go app, while it’s available to stream via NOW.
Live blog: Follow the First Test action with Standard Sport’s live blog.
Lions vs Australia First Test live
08:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGood morning and welcome to the Standard’s LIVE coverage of the clash between British and Irish Lions and Australia!
The long wait is finally over as the First Test takes place in Brisbane.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 11am BST from the Suncorp Stadium. Stick with us!
