The British and Irish Lions continued their perfect start to life Down Under as they cruised past a AUNZ Invitational XV in Adelaide.
After displaying some vulnerabilities against the ACT Brumbies earlier this week, the Lions came out determined to earn their place, with the opening Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane now just seven days away.
A rotated side saw several Scotland stars shine, with Duhan van der Merwe securing a hat-trick of tries against the outmatched opposition.
Sione Tuipulotu, Scott Cummings, Ronan Kelleher and Ronan Kelleher all also crossed for the tourists in what was the Lions’ best showing of the tour to date.
Late call-up Ben White also impressed for the tourists, with Andy Farrell expected to be faced with some serious selection dilemmas ahead of next weekend’s opener.
Mail Sport‘s CHRIS FOY was at Adelaide Oval to give his verdict on every Lion as they rounded off preparations with a dominant performance.
Duhan van der Merwe scored a hat-trick of tries as the British & Irish Lions capped off their Test preparations with a dominant showing in Adelaide
The tourists remained in control throughout their fifth and final rehearsal ahead of next weekend’s opener
On the South Australian coast Andy Farrell’s side produced their best performance of the tour so far
Hugo Keenan – 7/10
The Lions desperately needed their Irish full-back to step up after a tough tour debut and he did the job. Not tested in the air but ran and passed well.
Mack Hansen – 7.5/10
Was hobbling after the final whistle, having given body and soul to the cause again. Never stops running. Off-the-chart work-rate. Hunts the ball.
Huw Jones – 8/10
Classy figure who has played his way into fine form. Offers a varied threat and with Garry Ringrose struggling with a head knock, he is a likely Test starter.
Sione Tuipulotu – 7.5/10
This was the Scotland captain’s best performance of the tour as he mixed up hard carrying with more subtle touches and scored a try. In the mix.
Huw Jones has likely earned his place as a Test starter with a series of assured showings
Ben White has seized his opportunity following a late call-up and was superb in Adelaide
Duhan van der Merwe – 7/10
Won’t have scored many easier hat-tricks in his life and the giant wing was obviously buoyed by the treble, but there are still glaring errors.
Fin Smith – 7/10
Hit and miss off the tee but he was targeted in defence and stood up to it well, plus he pulled the strings with calm efficiency to ignite the midfield.
Ben White – 8.5/10
Staggering effort from the late call-up. From his awareness to tee up Van der Merwe’s first try, he was razor sharp. Good service, tenacious. Superb.
Pierre Schoeman – 7/10
A marathon shift. There was a familiar chant of ‘Schoe’ when the Scotland prop made one trademark charge and he even set up a late try.
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 5/10
The England hooker was stretchered off before half-time, after appearing to be knocked out making a tackle. Cruel end to industrious effort.
Will Stuart – 6/10
Not many chances for the tighthead to demonstrate his scrum credentials or carrying and handling, so he was largely limited to tackling and ruck graft.
James Ryan – 6/10
All the other locks have had storming performances on this tour, but the Leinster and Ireland stalwart was again restricted to diligently tackling.
Tadhg Beirne – 6.5/10
Much improved from the skipper, after an off night last week. Second row suits him better these days and he was prominent in defence and lineout.
Luke Cowan-Dickie’s evening was cruelly cut short as he appeared to be knocked out making a tackle
Jac Morgan impressed once more as he looks to nail down a starting spot next week
Ben Earl demonstrated his versatility and was duly named player of the match for his efforts
Henry Pollock – 7/10
Even at blindside, he delivered dazzling moments. Held up over line in first half and spilled offload after deft chip and chase but pounced for late try.
Jac Morgan – 7.5/10
Somehow, the sole Welshman still had something left for a midfield break and another carry at the death. Bumped once but otherwise excellent.
Ben Earl – 9/10
One of the stars of the night. He was prominent as a dynamic runner and showed good vision and handling. Won turnovers. Full-package display.
Replacements
Ronan Kelleher (for Cowan-Dickie, 36) – 7/10
Scored a try and added clout in the front row.
Finlay Bealham (for Stuart, 50) – 6/10
Another strong shift to maintain tour momentum.
Marcus Smith (for F Smith, 50) – 6.5/10
Settled in well to help the Lions stage a late surge.
Owen Farrell (for Jones, 50) – 7.5/10
Not rusty at all, as was the risk. In fact he was excellent.
Scott Cummings (for Beirne, 59) – 7/10
Touched down from close range to continue revival.
