On a thrilling evening in Brisbane the Lions came out victorious after Kurtley Beale's last second missed penalty gave the Lions a 1-0 lead in the Test series.
Australia: Barnes, Folau, Ashley-Cooper,
Leali'ifano, Ioane, O'Connor, Genia; Robinson, Moore, Alexander,
Douglas, Horwell, Mowen, Hooper, Palu
British and Irish Lions: Halfpenny, Cuthbert,
O'Driscoll, Davies, North, Sexton, Phillips; Corbisiero, Youngs, Jkones,
Wyn Jones, O'Connell, Croft, Warburton, Heaslip
On an evening of high and intense drama it was no surprise it came down to one kick of a ball. The game started as it finished with high intensity from both sides, but the game was stopped after just 53 seconds when Leali-Ifano, a debutant for Australia, had to be stretchered off in what looked like a serious looking injury.
It took 12 minutes before the first points went on the board though; against the run of play Australia, receiving high pressure managed to clear their lines and win themselves a penalty, taken early by Gania, a pacey run into the Lions half saw him offload to Folau who surged pass the Lions back line to send the Wallabies fans into raptures.
The try was converted by O'Connor, second time lucky for him, 10 minutes later though the Lions were awarded a penalty, 40 metres out, coming at a time where they were playing at their worst in the game so far. There was never any doubt though as Leigh Halfpenny stepped up to make it 7-3 to the Wallabies.
Then came some masterclass, George North who came on a couple of weeks back and was tipped to be an up and coming great, proved his worth when he went on a 40 metre run, going past 4 before hitting the line and getting Warren Gatland off his feat applauding it.
One again there was no doubt on Halfpenny's finishing touch as the Lions took a 3 point lead making it 7-10.
The Lions were now on top, some excellent by Jonathan Sexton nearly allowing North to get his second try but after some time going to the TMO decision, no try was awarded.
But the Lions dominance did not stop there, another awarded penalty gave them a 6 point lead going into the final 10 minutes of the half.
Then came some masterclass from the hosts, Folau again showing some immense skill sidestepping Sexton from 30 metres out and closing the lead to 1 point. O'Connor, not on his best form so far again missed the conversion giving the Lions a 1 point lead going into half time.
Half Time - Australia 12-13 British and Irish Lions
The second half started as the first ended, this time some class from Cuthbert, finding the gap and steaming through it to open the gap back up to 6 points, the Wallabies claimed an obstruction but was rubbished by the TMO decision.
Halfpenny, after surprisingly missing the kick at the end of the first half made no mistake in opening the gap to an 8 point lead, the biggest so far in the game.
The Lions now seemed in control, all they had to do was defend the lead and not give away silly penalties... but they never make it easy for themselves, O'Connor this time delivering and closing the gap back to 5 points.
Tension then started to rise as Kurtley Beale came on and took over from O'Connor to make it 18-20, game on. It was now a case of take any points you could get, Halfpenny again sending it between the posts and making it 18-23 before Beale then went and done the same after a fantastic bit of individual play from himself.
At 21-23 it could have gone either way, Beale missing the opportunity to send Australia into the lead but with 5 minutes remaining he sent his kick wide of the right post keeping the Wallabies two behind.
But the thrilling game came down to one lat kick and Beale was awarded a second chance to win the game for Australia. On an all or nothing kick Beale slipped and the Lions were awarded the win. Perhaps lucky but the Lions will take it, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Full Time - Australia 21-23 British and Irish Lions
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