#2. BUNDEE AKI
Grew into the game and made a crucial carry in the lead-up to Beirne’s try, but defensive lapses and an avoidable penalty undermined his overall contribution.
Express 5/10: “Not the huge carrier he is with Ireland, ineffective apart from one second half charge”
Telegraph 5/10: “Grew into the game and his carry set the platform for Beirne’s try. Suaalii slipped past him for Wright’s try and gave up a really dumb penalty.”
Planet Rugby 3/10: ” Caught out defensively by both Jake Gordon and Joseph Suaalii and conceded a penalty that Lynagh duly slotted. He made an incredible break which led to Tadhg Beirne’s try, but it was rather mystifying that he went the full 80 minutes today as he was a long way off his best.”
Replacement: Sione Tuipulotu
#3. OLLIE CHESSUM
Busy but largely ineffective, Chessum struggled with the physicality of Australia’s second row and couldn’t spark the partnership with Itoje. Lions missed McCarthy’s bite.
Planet Rugby 5/10: “Quietly went about his performance but was accurate and efficient in doing so. He stayed on the right side of the referee’s whistle but was guilty of four missed tackles and conceded a turnover. Replaced on 55 minutes.”
RUCK 5/10: “Chessum was mainly a passenger and struggled heavily against Skelton and Frost in both physicality and tempo of the game. The Itoje and Chessum partnership just didn’t seem to click the way the Lions would’ve hoped.”
BALLS 5/10: “Was kept busy, mainly in defence, in the first half. Solid lineout option. Made 13 tackles but missed four.”
Telegraph 5/10: “Was busy without being particularly eye-catching. Felt that the Lions missed McCarthy’s physical strength in the exchanges with Skelton.”
Replacement: Joe McCarthy (If fit)
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