The Lions took a massive step towards their first series win in 16 years after a very hard fought and bruising win against Australia in the first test in Brisbane this morning.
The victory was sealed after mercurial full back Kurtley Beale squandered two late penalty opportunities that would have given the Aussies a one point lead and certainly the win. It was in fact the Wallabies kicking game that troubled them throughout the entire game with James O'Connor and Beale combining for a shoddy 4 out of 9 kicking from the tee. Injuries also mounted in favour of the Lions as three of the Australian back line, including a nasty head injury to skillful debutant Christian Lealiifano within 50 seconds reduced the men in gold to make shift three quarter line.
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These injuries and lack of a real specialist from the kicking tee seemed to be the difference between the two sides, however The Lions took their foot off the pedal, especially when front row substitutions were made mid way through the second half. Lack of understanding about how referee Chris Pollock refereed not only the breakdown, but the entire game caught the Lions off guard and it's something they need to work on during the coming week.
1-0 to the Lions is a scoreline that supporters will be happy with, but it remains to be seen whether the Lions can step their game up in what will no doubt be another physical test in a weeks time in Melbourne. The return of Tommy Bowe, Manu Tuilagi and possibly Jamie Roberts are sure to add to Gatland's confidence in his team.
