**Dominant Lions Deliver in Adelaide as Jac Morgan Impresses, but Ben Earl Emerges as Standout**
The British & Irish Lions reinforced their credentials with a commanding 48–0 victory over an AUNZ invitational side in Adelaide, their most comprehensive showing since arriving Down Under. With coach Andy Farrell facing the looming task of picking his Test line-up for next Saturday’s opener against Australia, several players seized the opportunity to shine—with England’s Ben Earl arguably stealing the limelight from a crowd of high performers.
For Wales’ Jac Morgan, this outing was another chapter in an already impressive tour. Known for his robust defensive contributions and relentless work rate, the 24-year-old flanker provided much of the tenacity and drive that helped the Lions dictate proceedings. An early thunderous tackle set the tone and, despite a brief collision with the formidable Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Morgan remained a beacon of intensity throughout. However, selection for the Test side remains on a knife edge, given the fierce competition among the back row options.
Elsewhere among the forwards, Ben Earl’s explosive display at number eight was impossible to ignore. Not only did he rack up 14 carries and two breakdown steals, but his footwork and acceleration repeatedly pierced the AUNZ defence, securing valuable metres after contact. While many have anticipated a starting spot for Ireland’s Jack Conan, Earl’s dynamic impact may provide Farrell with food for thought heading into the crucial first Test.
The Lions also benefited from a revitalised display in the back line. Hugo Keenan, eager to nail down the full-back berth after Blair Kinghorn’s injury, demonstrated his attacking prowess with deft lines and reliable decision-making, signalling a return to form after a subdued outing against the Waratahs. Mack Hansen, operating on the right wing, proved a safe pair of hands under the high ball and facilitated Duhan van der Merwe’s hat-trick with sharp playmaking.
Centre Huw Jones offered an incisive edge, regularly slicing through defenders and keeping the opposition under pressure with sharp passing and intelligent running. With Garry Ringrose still working through concussion protocols, Jones’s form may well tip selection in his favour. Meanwhile, Sione Tuipulotu, surging over for a try and producing 13 carries, delivered his strongest performance of the tour to intensify the selection headache for the inside centre slot.
Out wide, Duhan van der Merwe’s three tries underscored his value as an attacking threat, even though questions linger about his positioning when facing tactical kicks. His powerful running posed constant problems for the AUNZ side, though any defensive frailty could impact his Test prospects.
In the crucial half-back partnership, Fin Smith controlled the contest with mature game management and crisp distribution, while Ben White injected tempo, highlighted by a well-taken solo try. White’s efforts have propelled him firmly into the conversation for a prominent role, complicating earlier assumptions that Alex Mitchell would sit on the bench following Tomos Williams’ earlier withdrawal.
Among the replacement ranks, Ireland’s Ronan Kelleher added additional dynamism late on, while the experienced Owen Farrell provided composure and set up Henry Pollock’s try with a delicate grubber. Competition remains fierce across the bench, with several positions yet to be finalised for the looming Test.
The performance in Adelaide will have greatly pleased Andy Farrell and his coaching team. The Lions showed synergy, clinical finishing, and composure under pressure—the hallmarks of a side growing in confidence as the business end of the tour approaches. After this result, multiple positions remain tightly contested, promising an intriguing selection process ahead.
With just days to go before the first Test against the Wallabies, the Lions’ latest display bodes well for a series brimming with promise and anticipation. The challenge now for Farrell is to distil this raft of excellent individual efforts into a cohesive starting fifteen capable of meeting the true test of Australia’s strength.