Summary

  • Lions overcome physical First Nations & Pasifika XV to preserve winning run in Australia - match report

  • Darcy Graham off injured moments after debut try gave Lions 14-0 lead

  • First Nations punish Lions errors with two tries to tie 14-14 at half-time

  • Jamie Osborne's second try and Duhan van der Merwe score put Lions into 24-14 lead in second half

  • Rob Leota try brought home side within five points as tourists faced toughest test of tour so far

  • Lions will seek to win series against Australia in second Test on Saturday

  1. Recap & analysis - Lions hang on against First Nations and Pasifika XVpublished at 14:15 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Next up the Lions play Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday in the second Test, which you can follow here again. Kick-off is at 11:00 BST.

    Until then, you can stay up to date with all things Lions here.

    You can also listen to the latest Rugby Union Weekly podcast when it drops.

    Here are the key talking points:

  2. Tour results - Lionspublished at 14:13 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    22 July - First Nations and Pasifika XV 19-24 (Marvel Stadium in Melbourne)

    19 July - Australia 19-27 Lions, (Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane)

    12 July - Invitational AU & NZ 0-48 Lions, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)

    9 July - ACT Brumbies 24-36 Lions, Canberra (GIO Stadium)

    5 July - NSW Waratahs 10-21 Lions Sydney (Allianz Stadium)

    2 July - Queensland Reds 12-52 Lions Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)

    28 June - Western Force 7-54 Lions Perth (Optus Stadium)

    20 June - Lions 24-28 Argentina, Dublin (Aviva Stadium)

  3. Samu would have made a difference - Kefupublished at 14:10 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Lauren Jenkins
    BBC Sport at Marvel Stadium

    Wallaby number eight Pete Samu was prevented from appearing for the First Nations and Pasifika XV.

    Samu, who won the Champions Cup with French club Bordeaux in May and has 33 Australia caps, was initially named in the squad of players with First Nations or Pacific Island heritage.

    But in a strange twist, the back row forward was withdrawn from the game as he does not meet the eligibility criteria.

    "To see the way he was displaced was pretty poor, so it was a motivation for us," Pasifika coach Toutai Kefu said.

    "I think [Samu would have made a difference]. Pete Samu is an experienced campaigner, he would have been great for us.

    "Removing him would certainly depower our team."

    Pete Samu in training for AustraliaImage source, Getty Images
  4. Fixtures to comepublished at 14:05 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Not many to go now.

    Saturday, 26 July - Lions v Australia, second Test, Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG)

    Saturday, 2 August - Lions v Australia, third Test, Sydney (Accor Stadium)

    British & Irish Lions Captain Maro Itoje and Wallabies Captain Harry WilsonImage source, Getty Images
  5. From pure joy to tearspublished at 14:03 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Darcy Graham's Lions debut was short but sweet.

    The 28-year-old was called up to the British and Irish Lions last Monday.

    Graham proved his position on the field by scoring the second Lions try.

    But 17 minutes into his debut, Graham, in tears, was forced to leave the field with what looked to be an ankle injury.

    He is in a boot and will get a scan.

    British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell said: "He's devastated. To become a Lion and score a try, he should be proud of himself."

    Darcy Graham scoringImage source, Getty Images
    Darcy GrahamImage source, Getty Images
    Darcy Graham being comforted by familyImage source, Getty Images
  6. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 13:58 British Summer Time

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    I think bar Kinghorn potentially getting the 15 jersey, there are some intriguing Test bench spots.

    Pete from Barmouth wales

  7. 'A fantastic concept that needs to continue'published at 13:57 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Lauren Jenkins
    BBC Sport at Marvel Stadium

    Captain Kurtley Beale says he wants the First Nations and Pasifika XV to continue.

    "This is for the Pasifika first nations kids," he said. "This jersey and emblem represents them, it paves the pathway for them. It's a fantastic concept that needs to continue. Whether that's a Wallabies warm-up, we have to think of the bigger picture."

  8. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 13:53 British Summer Time

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    A lot of comment about how close the Pasifika boys ran the Lions - but this was a real midweek team, impossible to draw any conclusions from this.

    Mike

  9. 'Nice little chip off the left peg'published at 13:51 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Lauren Jenkins
    BBC Sport at Marvel Stadium

    Both Andy and Owen Farrell never give too much away.

    Asked about his son's performance, Andy said: "Nice little chip off the left peg. Some good things from him."

    Owen added: "I enjoyed it. There is always things you can do better obviously. But I loved being out there. I loved that it was difficult, that it was hard. I feel like I've been in a tough match now. So I'm grateful for that."

    Andy and Owen FarrellImage source, Getty Images
  10. 'Staying unbeaten on tour is the goal'published at 13:48 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    British and Irish Lions

    British and Irish Lions full-back Blair Kinghorn, speaking to Sky Sports on the Test selection: "It's been frustrating coming out late and picking up a niggle [knee injury], it has set me back a little bit.

    "There aren't many chances to come out and impress but I went out there and tried my best. I had some moments but it's a team game.

    "We've been going next game mentality. Every time you put on a jersey for the Lions it's an amazing opportunity.

    "Staying unbeaten on tour is the goal."

  11. Departures to be announced on Wednesdaypublished at 13:45 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Lauren Jenkins
    BBC Sport at Marvel Stadium

    Lions head coach Andy Farrell said he will confirm what recent call-ups will head home on Wednesday.

    He added that Darcy Graham is in a different position as he was called up for an injury.

    "Darcy was different because we had an injury [to Mack Hansen], he was next cab off the rank. He'll have a scan in the morning."

    In regards an update to Hansen, Farrell said: "He's progressing but whether he's progressing quick enough we'll see how he is."

  12. ' You could see how much it meant to Graham'published at 13:42 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    British and Irish Lions

    British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell, speaking to Sky Sports: "Delighted for the lads who got their first games and caps.

    "Congrats to them, they talked about in the week how much it meant to them and how much of a special occasion it was for them and they certainly played like that.

    "We were a bit messy in terms of breakdown and penalties. In the end I was so pleased for these guys, for some of them it might be their last game on tour.

    "There were some great performances by some individuals. I thought Ben White was very good, Jamie Osborne obviously and those playing their first matches I'm delighted for them.

    On Darcy Graham's injury: "So upsetting, he was so upset. You could see how much it meant to him hobbling off.

    "He's got a lions cap, he's played for the British and Irish Lions and scored a try, he'll remember that forever."

  13. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 13:37 British Summer Time

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    Surely Chessum comes into the second row if McCarthy isn't fit? Then one of JVDF, Pollock or Morgan go onto the bench? Beirne can cover second row if needs be.

    Will, Folkestone

  14. 'I want this to be a fixture that sticks in the annual calendar'published at 13:35 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    First Nations and Pasifika XV captain Kurtley Beale, speaking to Sky Sports: "I am very proud of the guys, we came about around a week ago and we were able to come together, connect and get a good understanding.

    "We are representing people out there and young generations wanting to play, we won't give up and we are hoping we give them something to look forward to in their rugby journeys.

    "It's a dream pathway and it's a jersey that symbolises and represents those kids.

    "I want this to be a fixture that sticks in the annual calendar."

  15. Smith 'passed everything' and is 'fine'published at 13:33 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Lauren Jenkins
    BBC Sport at Marvel Stadium

    Lions head coach Andy Farrell has confirmed Marcus Smith is "fine" after his HIA.

    "He's passed everything," Farrell said.

    He added that a decision will be made on Joe McCarthy's fitness.

    "He hasn't trained so we'll see how he in Thursday."

  16. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 13:30 British Summer Time

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    Re Jake 12:11: Utter nonsense about Marcus Smith being more consistent. He doesn't bring any other players to the game. If you are centres and wingers you would love to play with Fin Smith.

    Tom

  17. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 13:28 British Summer Time

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    I think only Scott Cummings stepped up to potentially get in the squad this weekend injury permitted. Though I would rather Jamie George throwing in at the end of games instead of Kelleher.

    Callum, Glasgow

  18. Postpublished at 13:26 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Owen Farrell enjoyed his shirt swap.

    Could we see him in the Test matchday 23 on Saturday?

    Thumbs up for yes, down for no.

    Owen FarrellImage source, Getty Images
  19. 'It felt frantic at times'published at 13:25 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    British and Irish Lions

    British and Irish Lions centre Owen Farrell, speaking to Sky Sports: "Probably too tight for us, massive credit to the Pasifika.

    "They came out and gave it to us. We couldn't get a foothold in the game for 60 mins but massive credit to them but I am thankful we got the job done in the end.

    "There's always a number of things to improve on, not just one thing. It felt frantic at times, we could have been a bit calmer.

    "We spoke at half-time and regrouped, managed to be a bit more direct at the start of the second half and get more territory but they found their way back into the game.

    "Some of the chases from the first half compared to the second half were miles better.

    "I enjoyed being out there, it’s a great tour and there is more to come with all eyes on Saturday.

    "We'll enjoy this, recover and we’ll see what happens."

  20. 'A complete joy to watch'published at 13:21 British Summer Time

    FT: First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 Lions

    Lauren Jenkins
    BBC Sport at Marvel Stadium

    A complete joy to watch that match. Or as the Aussies would put it 'how good'.

    Seeing Taniela Tupou and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto go so well will have pleased Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.

    The Lions finished the night with 13 entries to the opposition 22 but only scored an average of 1.8 points per entry. They also conceded 19 turnovers, the joint most they've conceded on this tour. Nevertheless, they remain unbeaten, if slightly rattled, in Australia.

    The night in so many ways belongs to this spirited First Nations and Pasifika XV side.

    First Nations & Pasifika XVImage source, Getty Images