Beirne named man of the match as Lions win first test
Tadhg Beirne is presented with the Qatar Airways player of the match award after the first test today in Brisbane Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Eadestown’s Tadgh Beirne was named man of the match as the British & Irish Lions won the first test 27-19 is Brisbane today.
The imposing Irish second row repaid the faith shown him by Andy Farrell by turning in an all-action display.
He forced a penalty in the first seconds of the game that led to the opening points of the game and he rarely let up after that.
That set the tone for an opening half in which Lions were sharper and more intense than their hosts but they failed to make the most of their dominance on the scoreboard.
First half tries by Scottish duo Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, and Tom Curry, helped the Lions into a 17-5 lead at the break.
Dan Sheehan went over less than two minutes into the second half, and Finn Russell kicked the extras as the Lions threatened a mauling but they couldn’t kick on from there and Australia will take encouragement from scoring two tries in the final 23 minute ahead of the second test next Saturday in Melbourne.
