Beaten but unbowed, Wallabies give the Lions a jolt before succumbing.
– BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.
(eLanka Sports Editor).
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Beaten but unbowed, the gallant Wallabies refused to be intimidated by the powerful British and Irish Lions as they regrouped to make the opening game on tour closer than anyone expected in a spirited defeat at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
There were few, if any, that were brave enough to predict a Wallabies win over the Lions juggernaut that steamrolled everyone in their preparation for this Test.
Some may have dreamed of a probable Wallabies win, no one more than baby faced fly half Tom Lynah son of legendary Wallaby Michael. But dreams are made of being able to actually overcome a formidable opposition. The Wallabies did rattle them in the second half with a spirited comeback, but fell short.
And they fell short after recovering their composure and shocking the Lions who then romped to a 27-19 win in front of a sell-out crowd.
The Lions were a dominant force in all departments of the game, toying with the Wallabies for most of it with their superior strength and skill.
But the Wallabies managed to keep the lead within reasonable reach before wearing down their superior opponents, then turning early adversity into a possible contest. The game plan was admirable as they got within sight of a major upset.
Acknowledging the never-say-die spirit of the Aussies in Sport, the Lions sprang into action scoring twice in the first few minutes to establish a 10-0 lead.
But an opportunistic try by winger Max Joegensen who snatched a ball in loose play from an opponent to scamper over for a superb try, raised the belief and inspiration in the Wallabies ranks.
The Lions replied with Tom Curry try as they went about re-establishing their dominance taking them into a 17-5 lead at half time.
The Lions extended their lead soon after the turnaround scoring in the second minute off a line-out win where their backs got in motion for Curry to slide over in the corner. Russell converted to signal what seemed like a smooth sailing victory for the tourists, 24-5.
That’s what triggered the pride of the Wallabies as they turned things on it head pushing the previously dominant Lions into disarray with their superb defence and fearless forays through what appeared a tiring defence.
The Wallabies were denied a contentious try to centre Suualii, a held up effort and then scored to send tremors through the dominant Lions. 12-24.
The Lions uncharacteristic decision to take a penalty in front confirmed their reasoning to put the issue beyond the unexpected, and in doing so, managed to stay in front. 27-12.
And and true to their belief, the Wallabies continued to pile on the pressure before exciting substitute scrum-half McDermott jinked his way through a bemused defence not much later to score to 19- 27 leaving the Lions breathing a sigh of relief after a dramatic turnaround.
With lesson’s learned about the opposition, it surely raised hopes of a closer contest in the two games ahead for Joe Scmidt’s men.
