Marcus Smith off with a head injury
Harry Latham-Coyle at Marvel Stadium: “Now then – this may be something to monitor looking ahead to the second Test. Marcus Smith has gone down the tunnel for a head injury assessment. If he were to fail it, that would be his chances of featuring on Saturday over, necessitating a new bench fly half at the MCG. Owen Farrell has probably had the tidier night than Fin Smith – Andy Farrell will be hoping Smith M comes through alright, though.”
Marcus Smith has departed down the tunnel (PA Wire)
Harry Latham-Coyle at Marvel Stadium22 July 2025 12:45
TRY! First Nations & Pasifika 19-24 Lions, 72 minutes
First Nations & Pacifika not down and out yet! A late score with the kick to come makes for an exciting finish in this game.
Lions will be questioning their durability and fitness as they look to close the game out.
Michael Cooke22 July 2025 12:44
TRY Van De Murwe! First Nations & Pasifika 14-24 Lions, 64 minutes
Lovely soft hands from the 10-12 axis of Fin Smith and Owen Farrell to manipulate the defence of First Nations & Pacifika. Momentum looking more in the Lions favour after a great finish in the corner from the Scottish international.
Michael Cooke22 July 2025 12:36
First Nations & Pasifika 14-19 Lions, 62 minutes
The Lions struggling to break the spirits of a resilient Pacifika side as we enter the final quarter of this game.
High ball contests in the air and strong defence from the hosts making life difficult for the Lions who will be frustrated at their missed opportunities.
Michael Cooke22 July 2025 12:33
Harry Latham-Coyle at the Marvel Stadium: “There is so much to like about Jamie Osborne as a player, the Leinster back capable anywhere from 12 outwards and rather unfortunate, you’d say, not to get more of a run with Ireland over the last 12 months after a standout showing on debut at full-back in South Africa. It’s too late for him to make a run at a Test shirt on this tour having been a late call-up but surely more opportunities will soon come in Irish green.”
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle at the Marvel Stadium22 July 2025 12:17
TRY! Try Jamie Osborne (45 min) First Nations & Pasifika 14-19 Lions
A slick maul move see’s the ball moved wide efficiently to Jamie Osborne for his second of the game. Lions lead by one converted score.
Michael Cooke22 July 2025 12:13
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 44 minutes
A free play comes to nothing and Fin Smith finds the corner flag with a Lions penalty. Lions looking for another score here with a maul inside the Pacifika 22.
Michael Cooke22 July 2025 12:11
Lions kick-off deep and First Nations Pacifika look to clear from a tight angle box kick, penalty for an ambitious Lions charge down but the ref deems it offside. First lineout of this second half for First Nations Pacifika.
Michael Cooke22 July 2025 12:09
HALF TIME: First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions
(Getty Images)
Harry Latham-Coyle22 July 2025 11:54
First Nations & Pasifika 14-14 Lions, 40 minutes
Glorious fun! A fittingly madcap passage to end a hectic half that contained just as much bad as good. The Lions threaten on the edge and then throw a midfield intercept, with Blair Kinghorn the guilty party again in allowing the First Nations & Pasifika to launch one last offensive. Away to the right they play after Jack Debreczeni runs out of steam, and Triston Reilly grubbers ahead. Owen Farrell ensures, however, that he cannot chase having committed himself to the tackle before the wing kicked, and Duhan van der Merwe (just about) corrals the bouncing ball to dot down and send everyone down the tunnel.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 July 2025 11:53