**Lions Maintain Unbeaten Streak in Australia with Gritty Victory Over Waratahs**
The British & Irish Lions stretched their unbeaten record on their Australian tour after securing a 21-10 win against a determined NSW Waratahs side at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. Despite not reaching their full potential, Andy Farrell’s team crossed for three tries and ultimately did enough to finish ahead of their Super Rugby opponents during a stop-start contest on Saturday evening.
The opening exchanges hinted at a competitive match, with both teams experimenting in attack but struggling with ball retention. While the Lions showcased flashes of sharp play, a series of handling errors undermined their momentum. Their early efforts were rewarded, however, as a deft move off a lineout saw Sione Tuipulotu connect with Huw Jones for the first try of the evening, with Fin Smith calmly slotting the conversion.
Jones soon added a second to his tally, demonstrating impressive footwork to power through the Waratahs’ defence and give the tourists a comfortable cushion approaching the half-time whistle. The Scotsman’s brace appeared to steady the ship for the Lions, but the Waratahs fought back keenly, with Darby Lancaster squeezing into the left corner despite attention from Hugo Keenan. After a brief review for foul play, the try stood, narrowing the margin as the teams headed into the break at 14-5 in favour of the visitors.
The second half saw the Waratahs intensify their efforts, striking quickly through Ethan Dobbins after a lapse in the Lions’ backline discipline. Yet despite the hosts’ resurgence and closing the gap to just four points, their conversion attempt from Bowen rattled the upright and stayed out, leaving work still to do.
Sustained pressure from the Waratahs failed to dislodge the Lions’ advantage, thanks in large part to the visitors’ set-piece dominance. The Lions scrum, in particular, put the home pack under relentless pressure, earning crucial penalties and stifling any hopes of a Waratahs comeback. Such forward strength was a significant positive for head coach Farrell, who will nonetheless be mindful of the need for overall improvement ahead of sterner tests.
The decisive moment in the match arrived as Alex Mitchell, the England scrum-half, produced a brilliant piece of deception near the Waratahs’ line. Selling multiple dummies, Mitchell dived over for the Lions’ third and final try, while Smith’s conversion extended their lead to 21-10. Thereafter, the match became a scrappy affair, with both teams unable to find a way through as play stopped and started with substitutions and unforced errors.
Ellis Genge had two further efforts ruled out—one for a fumble and another for obstruction—as the Lions sought to secure a bonus point try, but neither count stood. As the final whistle sounded, the touring side celebrated a third win from three matches on Australian soil, building on earlier victories over Western Force and Queensland Reds. The result maintains positive momentum heading towards the highly anticipated opening Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane, now just a fortnight away.
Reflecting on the result, Farrell will be satisfied with his team’s defensive organisation and set-piece efficiency but will demand better execution with ball in hand in future outings. The match also saw several players stake their claims for Test selection, with Alex Mitchell deservedly named player of the match for his control and incisive running.
The Waratahs, for their part, proved worthy adversaries and were competitive throughout, albeit overwhelmed at times by the Lions in the scrum. Despite a smattering of errors and a somewhat disjointed rhythm, both squads fielded new faces and tested tactical permutations—a valuable exercise for coaches and players alike as the tour continues.
As the Lions’ schedule intensifies, focus will inevitably turn to fine-tuning combinations and minimising mistakes. Their loyal travelling support in Sydney made their voices heard, and the sense of occasion is building as the Test series looms on the horizon, with the Lions eager to translate their winning habit into series success against Australia.