Australia 21-23 Lions

Ok, so the Lions might have got a little lucky with the wayward kicking of James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale.

But as the Welsh players have been quick to point out, it’s a nice change after the last four or five outings against Australia, where the Wallabies have won games in the final seconds.

 

Superb picture from 1st Test that will b in all the papers tomorow. Note Lions doc James Robson catching George North pic.twitter.com/jBBIy6hqnH

— Brendan gallagher (@gallagherbren) June 22, 2013

All four tries were good, even if the defences for the other two left something to be desired. What a game – lets hope for more of the same next week (if not quite such a nail-biting finale).

The first test in Brisbane was a classic: entertaining, good-quality and tense. I actually cheered when Israel Folau scored his first try, just because I couldn’t help but be in awe of the positivity (taking a quick tap inside his own 22) and class of Will Genia in setting it up.

Of course, I did the same for George North’s brilliant solo effort, which demonstrated strength, power, awareness, pace as well as quick feet you wouldn’t usually associate with a big man out wide.

Players’ verdict:

15: Leigh Halfpenny – missed a kick at goal (he does it so rarely it’s worth noting when he does) but otherwise barely put a foot wrong…8/10
14: Alex Cuthbert – he wouldn’t have been on the pitch if Tommy Bowe was fit, and a couple of errors suggested he might have been the weak link in the backs. But took his try well, albeit thanks to weak tackling…6

First test: Australia v Lions prediction

Here it is, finally. And in haste, here’s my prediction.

The Lions will be too strong for the Wallabies in most aspects of the game, and although it will be a bit nervy and edgy, especially early on, a powerful back line, dead-eye kicking from Leigh Halfpenny and physicality up front will see the tourists to a relatively comfortable victory.

Australia 13-23 British and Irish Lions

Wales under-20s 18-17 South Africa

An incredible finish in the IRB Junior World Championships in Vannes, France, where Wales scored a 79th minute try (and a conversion from wide out) to beat reigning champions South Africa 18-17.

Wales dominated up front, were excellent in the backline (especially full back Jordan Williams), and a wonderful late chip into the corner by Sam Davies, collected by Ashley Evans for the winning try, was no less than they deserved.

Davies, the son of Scarlets coach and former Wales centre Nigel, still had to kick the conversion, which he did, nervelessly. What a win.

England will be the opponents in Wales’s first ever final on Sunday (live on Sky Sports) after they booked their place with a 33-21 triumph over New Zealand in the second semi-final.

The Baby Blacks had reached the final of every tournament to date, winning the first four and being pipped by hosts South Africa last year.

In 2012, Wales beat New Zealand in a stunning result, before they eventually finished third. Let’s see if they can go two better this year.

Australia v Lions: my team

Aside from the excitement over the arrival Down Under of Shane Williams, there is a serious business for the Lions: beating Australia.

A number of injuries have hit Warren Gatland’s squad, and the team I’d pick has taken those into consideration (I’ve left out those who are seen as doubtful). It means, for example, that neither winger would be starting were it not for injuries to others.

Backs (five Welsh, two Irish):

15: Leigh Halfpenny
14: Alex Cuthbert
13: Brian O’Driscoll
12: Jonathan Davies
11: George North
10: Jonathan Sexton
9: Mike Phillips

Waratahs 17-47 Lions

The game has been somewhat overshadowed by the news that Welsh legend Shane Williams has been drafted into the Lions squad.

But there was a game yesterday as well, and in what was an excellent and thoroughly entertaining encounter between the Waratahs and the Lions in Sydney, the visitors emerged 47-17 winners.

The Lions thrashed the NSW Waratahs at the Sydney Football Stadium

But the main outcome of the game has been to throw up a number of selection dilemmas, with many of those on the cusp of a test place performing outstandingly.

Players’ verdict:

15: Leigh Halfpenny – another exemplary kicking performance and two tries. Another quite superb performance, and you wonder if there is anyone outside the Kearney household who still doubts the Welshman is a country mile clear of any competitors for the title of Europe’s best fullback…9/10

Shane Williams called up by the Lions

Shane Williams has been called up by the British and Irish Lions and will start on the wing against the Brumbies in midweek.

Leaving my phone on just incase we get a call from the lions, with Simon Easterby and Gareth Edwards #hereshoping pic.twitter.com/4tdInbkqZc

— Jonathan Davies (@JiffyRugby) June 15, 2013

Simply put, this is barely believable.

And awesome.