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Review ... Wallabies star Kurtley Beale after missing the match-winning penalty. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP
There was no better advertisement for rugby union than the incredible exhibition of skill, heart and determination on display in the British and Irish Lions win over the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium.
Rarely has there been so much hype surrounding a three Test series and the contest in Brisbane lived up to all expectations.
Foxsports.com.au reviews the thrilling first Test.
THE MATCH
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Both teams showed how desperate they were to secure the crucial first win of the three-match series. It was a physical contest from the first collision with Wallabies debutant Christian Lealiifano colliding with the hip of opposition number Jonathan Davies. The impact of the Brumbies sharpshooter being stretchered off was immediate as James O'Connor took over the kicking duties. O'Connor missed two early penalties, but the misses were soon forgotten when Will Genia chanced his hand with a quick tap, travelling 80 meters downfield to send another Wallabies debutant, Israel Folau, over his first Test try. Two penalties from Lions' hitman Leigh Halfpenny and a brilliant solo try from his Welsh teammate George North put the tourist back in front. The Wallabies had their chance to take the halftime lead after Folau scored his second incredible try, but O'Connor missed his third kick of the night. After the break, Alex Cuthbert sliced through the Wallabies defensive line, brushing off several players on his way to the try-line. The Wallabies were always chasing from here, but kept in touch with penalties. Kurtley Beale had the chance to win the match twice. On the second occasion the Wallabies' scrum earn a tight-head penalty, but as the fulltime siren went Beale slipped as he connected with the ball. What a game!
TURNING POINT
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The Wallabies had three backline stars stretchered from the field and another leave it late in the game. At one stage in the game Michael Hooper was playing inside centre and replacement halfback Nick Phibbs was grazing on the wing. But it was debutant Lealiifano's absence that really hurt the Wallabies. O'Connor and Beale missed a combined total of 14 points from penalties and a conversion which ultimately cost the Wallabies victory in Brisbane. Lealiifano was selected by Deans for his ability to read the game, his solid defence and his place-kicking prowess.
LIONS STANDOUT
Jonathan Sexton. The Irish five-eighth was simply outstanding. He has an uncanny but effective style, with the ability to control the tempo of the game. Sexton stood so flat when taking on the Wallabies' defensive line that it attracted two or three defenders, creating acres of space for his support players. His pinpoint open-field kicking put a massive amount of pressure on the Wallabies' back-three and forced the homeside's forwards backwards. His variety constantly had the Wallabies' defence in two minds.
WALLABIES STANDOUT(S)
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How do you separate Genia and Folau? The Wallabies' little general was in everything; covering tackles, creating tries and controlling a breakdown that was constantly under pressure from the Lions. Without Genia the Wallabies could have been facing a much bigger scoreline at the final siren. Was Folau's Wallabies' debut the greatest of all-time? That is a debate best decided in the pub. He is such an incredible athlete. All of Folau's attributes were on display when he scored his two first half tries; power, skill, speed and balance.
WHERE TO NOW?
There are no beds left in the Wallabies' casualty ward. Lealiifano, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe and Berrick Barnes will all undergo scans. The Wallabies found a nice balance to their side in the first Test and need to reassess their team for the do-or-die battle in Melbourne. Will Quade Cooper come into the side? O'Connor didn't set the world on fire and was completely out-played by his opposite number. Beale showed glimpses of why he is considered one of the most dangerous players in world rugby. Does he start at fullback or switch with O'Connor? There will no doubt be a number of backline changes for the second Test. The Wallabies pack held their own against a monster pack and should stay unchanged. The Lions team should be one to 15 for the Melbourne Test, resting several frontline players for the Rebels game.
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