The British and Irish Lions have secured a series victory for the first time since 2013, with their recent last-minute win in Melbourne taking them 2-0 up and out of sight against the Wallabies.
Now, with a third Test to look forward to and the pressure off, it is time to reflect.
For all of the success of Andy Farrell’s side, their performances have often left a lot to be desired.
With that in mind, we graded each Lions player on how they have performed across the whole tour. Some who were late call-ups and didn’t get many minutes have been left out.
Tadhg Beirne – A+
Was nowhere near his best in the warm-up games that he played, but turned it on when it mattered in both Tests he’s played against the Wallabies. Farrell took a risk picking him, and he vindicated that decision. For that reason, it is hard to grade Beirne at any less than an A+, even with his struggles earlier on in the tour.
Tom Curry – A+
Like Beirne, Curry wasn’t at his best during the warm-up games but stepped up in the Tests, which is what players will be judged on at the end of the day. An absolute Test-match animal, the Sale Sharks flanker raised his game and was one of the best players on the pitch in both games so far. For that reason, he is an A+.
Dan Sheehan – A+
Has been one of the stars and rightfully the starting hooker for most of the tour. Brings incredible dynamism to the front row and has popped up around the pitch on numerous occasions.
Andrew Porter – A
Very good player throughout and has been key to a strong pack. Starting him ahead of Genge really made a difference to the power in the scrum in the second Test.
Ellis Genge – A-
Very similar to his tighthead partner for much of the tour, Genge has been a very strong performer, but as he is a prop, a lot of his impact comes from the intangibles that he brings. Benched for tactical decisions rather than form, Genge can be proud of how he has played.
Tadhg Furlong – A-
One of the first names on the team sheet, Furlong has done enough to keep himself in the squad without doing anything truly remarkable. A strong scrummager who has had a few involvements around the pitch.
Maro Itoje – A-
Has brought brilliant leadership to the team, but his performances on the pitch haven’t been Itoje at his best. For all his work off the field and the fact that he has led a Lions side to a series victory, he deserves a lot of credit.
Finn Russell – A-
Showed a lot of class with the ball but has had slight inconsistency considering his high standards. Perhaps a slightly harsh grade, but Russell is one of the best in the world and is being judged as such.
Will Stuart – A-
The prop pecking order has been pretty clear, and Stuart fits nicely into the ‘replacements’ option. That has suited him and he can be happy with how he has done.
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