Australia v British & Irish Lions: Second Test – Preview And Prediction

The Home Nations all-stars showed why they are the heavy favourites to clinch the series when they drew first blood in Brisbane last weekend.

The 27-19 scoreline flattered the hosts, who, to be fair, showed heart to win the second half 14-10, but the Lions were easily the better team.

Their win was built on a superior kicking game and an outstanding defensive display. While their attack purred in the first half, and saw them hold a commanding 24-5 lead early in the second period, it was their great line speed, connectivity, and physicality in defence that allowed them to hang on.

Tom Curry, in particular, was huge in this regard, making several smashing hits, and the tireless Tadhg Beirne turned in a Man of the Match performance for the ages, which saw him make more tackles (23) and turnovers (3) than anyone else on the park.

With the Lions having dominated the collisions, the double boost of returning hard men Rob Valetini and Will Skelton is massive for the Wallabies. Rather surprisingly, the Aussies had ascendancy at scrum time, with Allan Alaalatoa winning two penalties in the set piece, so look for them to try to use it as a weapon.

For Joe Schmidt’s side to pull off the upset, it’s imperative that they get off to a stronger start this time around. Their first 22 entry came as late as the 29th minute, while their first real dominant carry came courtesy of Len Ikitau in the 49th minute.  

If they can flip the script and get on top early this weekend, the Lions might just buckle under the pressure, and next Saturday’s showdown could be the decider.      

That said, the Lions were inches away from scoring on three separate occasions last weekend, and if they are a tad more clinical than they were in Brisbane, they should put their hosts to bed.

As much as they’ll focus on finding their clinical edge, Maro Itoje and company’s main goal will be to produce an 80-minute performance. Do that and they’d feel they’ll wrap things up. 

The grit that the Wallabies displayed in the second 40 last weekend, coupled with their returning stars, does give them hope of levelling the series, but the Lions will seal the deal.

Prediction: British & Irish Lions by 10.

Suggested Bet: Australia +10.5 at 1.80.