Finn Russell was
box office as the British & Irish Lions opened their Test series with a 27-19 win over Australia at a packed Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
It took the Scot just sixty seconds to get on the scoreboard, coolly slotting the opening penalty. Minutes later, he unleashed a pinpoint kick that heaped pressure on the Wallabies and turned the screw.
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Then came the magic. A no-look beauty of a pass from Russell teed up Sione Tuipulotu for the Lions’ opening try—one of many flashes of brilliance in a performance described as “mesmeric”.
With the all-Scottish midfield clicking into overdrive, Russell orchestrated the attack like a conductor with a bag full of tricks.
Post-match, Russell spoke to Sky Sports—unscripted, unfiltered, and very Finn.
“I think the first half we played really well. Putting them under pressure under the high ball.”
“We showed that when we were 12 points up at half-time. We had the territory, we could've scored more points but we're happy.”
On his goal-kicking accuracy, the fly-half said:
“I'd give you a different answer in the warm-up, I missed a few kicks.
Owen Farrell said to calm down and kick it through the posts, it's not that hard.”
Looking ahead to the second Test, Russell kept it honest:
“We expect a different team next week, Joe Schmidt is a great coach so it will be different.
We need to get better at individual errors and discipline.
We’ve had the taste against the Wallabies and we'll be more prepared as to what to expect.”
The internet? Predictably, it exploded.
One fan posted:
"Finn Russell has been the player of the tour so far. Also, his interviews feel genuine rather than scripted b******. It's refreshing."*
Another added:
"I love how Finn just says it how it is, not regurgitated crap like Itoje."
A third simply said:
"Giving Russell a live microphone feels like a risk every week. You never know what's coming—but it’s brilliant."ver know what he might say"
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One Lions star is handed a brutal rating in player scores against Australia
Here we break down the three lowest-rated Lions players, ranked from best to worst by their average score across five major outlets.
3. Hugo Keenan – 5.0/10 (Average Rating)
- Planet Sport: 5/10
- Rugby Pass: 5/10
- Guardian: 5/10
What went wrong:
The Leinster fullback endured a frustrating evening. Like the rest of the Lions' back-three, Keenan was exposed under the high ball and defensively vulnerable. He was robbed by Max Jorgensen for Australia’s opening try and conceded another turnover in a nervy first half.
The Leinster fullback endured a frustrating evening. Like the rest of the Lions' back-three, Keenan was exposed under the high ball and defensively vulnerable. He was robbed by Max Jorgensen for Australia’s opening try and conceded another turnover in a nervy first half.
While he improved slightly after the break with some positive attacking involvement, the damage had been done. Crucially, he failed to lock down the No.15 shirt ahead of a likely selection reshuffle.
Verdict:
Showed glimpses in attack but was unconvincing overall. Not the worst offender, but far from safe for the second Test.
Showed glimpses in attack but was unconvincing overall. Not the worst offender, but far from safe for the second Test.
Suggested Replacement: Blair Kinghorn (if fit)
2. Tommy Freeman – 4.8/10 (Average Rating)
- Planet Sport: 5/10
- Rugby Pass: 5/10
- Balls.ie: 5/10
- Guardian: 5/10
- Telegraph: 4/10
What went wrong:
Freeman’s raw effort couldn’t mask a performance riddled with errors. He overcooked kicks, spilled high balls, and conceded a game-high four turnovers. His forced offload in the second half led to another needless knock-on, capping off a frustrating outing.
Freeman’s raw effort couldn’t mask a performance riddled with errors. He overcooked kicks, spilled high balls, and conceded a game-high four turnovers. His forced offload in the second half led to another needless knock-on, capping off a frustrating outing.
Although his ball-carrying was forceful early on, and he worked hard off the ball, his decision-making repeatedly cost the Lions territory and momentum.
Verdict:
Energetic but error-prone. Lacked composure and consistency, making his starting spot extremely vulnerable.
Energetic but error-prone. Lacked composure and consistency, making his starting spot extremely vulnerable.
Suggested Replacement: Duhan van der Merwe
1. James Lowe – 4.2/10 (Average Rating)
- Planet Rugby: 4/10
- Rugby Pass: 5/10
- Guardian: 5/10
- Telegraph: 3/10
- Mail Online: 4/10
What went wrong:
Lowe had a night to forget. From kicking the ball dead early on to a blown try-scoring opportunity before halftime, it was a catalogue of costly moments. He looked sluggish under pressure, and his attacking spark — usually his strength — was largely neutralized by smart Wallabies defending.
Lowe had a night to forget. From kicking the ball dead early on to a blown try-scoring opportunity before halftime, it was a catalogue of costly moments. He looked sluggish under pressure, and his attacking spark — usually his strength — was largely neutralized by smart Wallabies defending.
One telling moment came in the 34th minute, when he was stripped of the ball with the tryline beckoning. Combined with loose kicking and an overall lack of clarity, Lowe’s Test spot is now in serious jeopardy.
Verdict:
Off-form and off-pace. Lowe’s performance drew the lowest average score and may have sealed his omission for the second Test.
Off-form and off-pace. Lowe’s performance drew the lowest average score and may have sealed his omission for the second Test.
Suggested Replacement: Mack Hansen
Quiz Title: Most Points for the British & Irish Lions in Test Matches
Introduction:
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
Think you know your Lions legends? ?
Test your rugby knowledge by naming the players who have scored the most points for the British & Irish Lions in test matches. These are the top scorers from historic tours—can you remember them all?
You have 5 minutes.
Good luck!
Good luck!
