British & Irish Lions 27-19 Australia - Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan tries lead Lions to opening win in Brisbane
Updated 20/07/2025 at 18:25 GMT+1
The British & Irish Lions took a 1-0 lead in their three-match series with Australia, beating the Wallabies 27-19 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Tries from Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan ensured that Andy Farrell’s side’s excellent performance was rewarded with a series lead, fighting off a second-half charge from the hosts as they search for a first series win in 12 years.
Farrell wary of 'desperate' Australia in second Test - 'We know what's coming'
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LIONS GET TOUR UNDERWAY WITH VICTORY OVER WALLABIES IN BRISBANE
The British & Irish Lions produced a brilliant performance to start their three-match series against Australia with a 27-19 win as they aim for a first series win since 2013.
Tries from Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan ensured that Andy Farrell’s side’s excellent performance was rewarded with a 1-0 series lead.
The Wallabies fought back towards the end of the second half with two late tries from Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott, but the Lions performance in the first half really won them the game.
The Lions started the game brilliantly, winning a penalty at the breakdown within the first minute, which Finn Russell slotted over with ease.
Russell was involved again just eight minutes later, producing a magical pass to evade two Australian defenders to pick out Tuipulotu, who walked the ball over the try-line.
The Lions continued to dominate throughout the first half and were unlucky to not be further ahead, with Huw Jones’ score disallowed for a double movement.
Joe Schmidt’s side fought back against the run of play thanks to Max Jorgensen, who beat Hugo Keenan in the air, before darting over in the corner.
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Dan Sheehan of British and Irish Lions celebrates with Hugo Keenan after scoring the Lion's 3rd try during the 1st Test Match between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 19, 2025
Image credit: Getty Images
However, the hosts’ resurgence did not last long at all, with Curry adding the Lions’ second try just before the end of the first half.
Curry powered over from five yards out after a sustained period of pressure in Australia’s 22’ from the visitors.
The visitors wasted no time at the start of the second half, with Dan Sheehan going over in the corner for their third try after some brilliant work from Curry.
The England international stole the ball from the Wallabies’ line-out before eventually setting Sheehan up to score.
The hosts did fight back throughout the second half and were unlucky to not score, with Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i’ seeing a try disallowed with 20 minutes to play.
Schmidt’s side finally got their reward for a sustained period of pressure, as replacement Tizzano bundled over for his second Test try.
The hosts were not done there though, scoring right at the death through replacement McDermott, who snuck over the line from round the side of a ruck.
However, the touring side just had too much for the Wallabies and take a 1-0 lead in the series, although Australia will take some confidence from their second half performance.
The Lions face a First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday, before the second Test takes place next Saturday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
WHICH RUGBY MATCHES ARE ON TNT SPORTS?
Premiership Rugby will see all 93 matches – including the Gallagher Premiership Rugby play-offs and final – on TNT Sports and discovery+. TNT Sports and discovery+ will also continue to broadcast select games from the Premiership Rugby Cup.
ANDY FARRELL: THE BACK ROW WERE EXCELLENT
"Obviously we are delighted to get the result and get the first one under our belt as it takes us to the last game, that's for sure," said Andy Farrell to Sky Sports.
"It is a big occasion for all these lads and I thought we did the shirt proud. How we attacked the game in the first half was very pleasing.
"To come here, obviously the spiritual home for the Wallabies, and win is very pleasing.
"We started the game very well and controlled the game well throughout. The back row were excellent, it was a talking point all week and I am so glad for them, because they stood up tonight.
"We lacked a bit of discipline during the second half, so there is plenty to work on for us, which is a good place to be in for next week.
"You look at the start of the game, Tom Curry puts in a huge defensive collision and Tadgh Beirne is there to clear the ball up. Jack Conan was immense with the ball all night, so very pleasing for those three.
"We roll on to Tuesday night and the rest of the guys get to put there hand up for selection.
"It is a big occasion and we dealt with it very well. We were here in 2013 and we are going to play against a wounded animal. We expect to be better next week."
HARRY WILSON: NOTHING HAS CHANGED FOR US
"Obviously disappointed with the result, it feels like we did not get our game going until the second half and they won some big moments before and after half-time," Wallabies captain Harry Wilson told Sky Sports.
"Nothing has changed for us, we still need to win two games to win. We will come back in Melbourne and try to double down on our preparation this week.
"It is such a big honour to lead the team. I love representing Australia and captaining the side is really special, but I just a bit disappointed right now."
MARO ITOJE: THAT WAS NOT PERFECT
"It was a tough game, no game of rugby is perfect and that definitely was not from us," said Maro Itoje to Sky Sports
"However, it probably puts us in a good position because we can have some honest conversations and there is lots for us to build on. We are definitely not complacent or comfortable.
"I think we put pressure on ourselves, particularly when exiting our half, some of our decision-making was poor.
"Rugby is not perfect; we will build on this and move on.
"I am very humbled to have played 100 tests, glory to god. I am very grateful to represent England and the British & Irish Lions. Hopefully I can rack up a few more tests."
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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Maro Itoje of the British & Irish Lions scores a try during the tour match between Queensland Reds and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 02, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
TADHG BEIRNE: THAT WAS A PROPER TEST MATCH
"That was a proper test match, and the last quarter was particularly tough. Australia will take confidence from the end, and we need to look at our leaking of penalties," said Tadhg Beirne to Sky Sports.
"Overall, we stepped up today and put in a good performance to get the job done, so roll on next week.
"I think we need to work on our discipline, that will be a big focus for us. Overall, we were good and controlled the game well.
"We lost our way in the last quarter and that is what we need to focus on.
"I loved it, the performances leading up to today were not some of my best and I did not know if I would be in for today, so getting the nod to start was a huge honour and I knew I had to step up."
FULL TIME! AUSTRALIA 19-27 LIONS
The British & Irish Lions take a 1-0 lead in their three-match series with Australia, beating the Wallabies 27-19 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Tries from Sione Tuipulotu, Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan ensured that Andy Farrell’s side’s excellent performance was rewarded with a series lead.
79' TRY FOR AUSTRALIA! AUSTRALIA 19 - 27 LIONS (MCDERMOTT)
The hosts score again right at the death through McDermott! The game had gone a bit flat and the Wallabies capitalised.
There is only just over a minute left however.
WHICH RUGBY MATCHES ARE ON TNT SPORTS?
Premiership Rugby will see all 93 matches – including the Gallagher Premiership Rugby play-offs and final – on TNT Sports and discovery+. TNT Sports and discovery+ will also continue to broadcast select games from the Premiership Rugby Cup.
74' LIONS PENALTY! AUSTRALIA 12-27 LIONS (M. SMITH)
Marcus Smith has his first points of the tour, slotting a penalty from in front of the posts.
That is surely the game.
Dan Sheehan of British and Irish Lions celebrates with Hugo Keenan after scoring the Lion's 3rd try during the 1st Test Match between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 19, 2025
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68' AUSTRALIA TRY! AUSTRALIA 12-24 LIONS (TIZZANO)
The Wallabies finally have their try and it is through the replacement Carlo Tizzano, who scored his second Test try.
Schmidt's side have been much better over the last ten minutes or so and deserve their try.
Donaldson adds the extras and Andrew Kellaway replaces Len Ikitau.
67' LIONS CHANGE. AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
Marcus Smith replaces the fantastic Russell for the Lions.
WHICH RUGBY MATCHES ARE ON TNT SPORTS?
Premiership Rugby will see all 93 matches – including the Gallagher Premiership Rugby play-offs and final – on TNT Sports and discovery+. TNT Sports and discovery+ will also continue to broadcast select games from the Premiership Rugby Cup.
65' LIONS CHANGE. AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
Ronan Kelleher replaces the excellent Sheehan for the Lions.
61' TRY DISALLOWED! AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
The try is disallowed for holding on and the Lions survive! The Wallabies really needed that score.
Lynagh is replaced by Ben Donaldson for Australia.
60' AUSTRALIA TRY! AUSTRALIA 10-24 LIONS (SUAALII)
The Wallabies are back into the game! McDermott has an almost instant impact and finds Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii who scores.
TMO review incoming.
59' AUSTRALIA CHANGES. AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
Jake Gordon is replaced by Tate McDermott and Tom Hooper replaces Williams for the Wallabies.
57' AUSTRALIA GO CLOSE! AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
Harry Wilson almost scores for the Wallabies, but Itoje and Lowe manage to hold the ball up and deny the Australian captain.
Bundee Aki replaces Tuipulotu, Ben Earl replaces Conan and Will Stuart is on to replace Furlong for the Lions.
Schmidt's side could really do with a score here.
53' BRILLIANT LIONS DEFENCE! AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
The hosts have a line-out inside the Lions' 22', but the visitors produce a brilliant defensive effort to turn the ball over at the maul.
Beirne like Curry has been excellent.
49' LIONS CHANGE. AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
The excellent Genge is replaced by Andrew Porter, as Farrell looks to freshen up the front row.
48' CURRY PROVING THE DOUBTERS WRONG. AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
Many were calling for Jac Morgan to or Josh van der Flier to start over Curry this evening, but the England international has proved them wrong.
Curry has been phenomenal tonight, scoring the Lions' second try and setting up their third.
44' LIONS CHANGE. AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS
McCarthy hobbles off and is replaced by Ollie Chessum, who makes his Lions Test debut.
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Dan Sheehan of British and Irish Lions is challenged by Tom Lynagh of Australia during the 1st Test Match between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 19, 2025
Image credit: Getty Images
42' LIONS TRY! AUSTRALIA 5-24 LIONS (SHEEHAN)
Dan Sheehan scores almost instantly! Curry intercepts the ball at the back of the Wallabies line-out and eventually the ball is worked back to the flanker, who feeds Sheehan to score in the corner.
Russell adds the extra two points as the Lions start to really pull away.
41' BACK UNDERWAY! AUSTRALIA 5-17 LIONS
Lynagh gets the second half underway and he will be hoping for a better half from his side.
Can the Wallabies get back into this?
SIMON EASTERBY: WE NEED TO STAY DISCIPLINED
"We knew it would be difficult with the intensity and pressure on our ruck ball.
"We have created some opportunities and put them under pressure, but we have not taken all of them.
"We need to stay composed and put pressure on them through the forwards and stay strong in defence.
"We know they are going to come out and put some pressure on us, but it is important we stay disciplined," said Lions Assistant Coach Simon Easterby to Sky Sports.
SHOULD THE LIONS BE FURTHER AHEAD?
The Lions lead by 12 points at half time, but in truth they could easily be further ahead.
Farrell's side have put on a masterclass during the first 40 minutes and have been way too good for Australia.
However, the Wallabies will never give up and as we saw with the try from Jorgensen, they are able to create something out of nothing.
An exciting second half awaits.
HALF TIME! AUSTRALIA 5-17 LIONS
This has been an exhibition from the touring side so far, who have been far too good for the Wallabies.
WHICH RUGBY MATCHES ARE ON TNT SPORTS?
Premiership Rugby will see all 93 matches – including the Gallagher Premiership Rugby play-offs and final – on TNT Sports and discovery+. TNT Sports and discovery+ will also continue to broadcast select games from the Premiership Rugby Cup.
37' LIONS TRY! AUSTRALIA 5-17 LIONS
After a huge amount of pressure on the Wallabies defence, the Lions finally get their second try of the match.
Tom curry powers over from five yards out and puts the Lions back in control.
Russell adds the extra two points.
36' HUGE LIONS PRESSURE. AUSTRALIA 5-10 LIONS
Maro Itoje thinks he has scored, but the ball is held up.
The Lions are all over the Wallabies right now.
32' MISSED CHANCE FOR LIONS! AUSTRALIA 5-10 LIONS
The Lions almost have their second try of the match! Russell goes for a cross-field kick to Joe Mccarthy, but the ball just evades the lock.
That was close.
29' WALLABIES TRY! AUSTRALIA 5-10 LIONS (JORGENSEN)
The Wallabies are back in the game out of nothing! Lynagh puts up a high ball and Max Jorgensen wins the battle in the air against Keenan, before charging over in the corner.
Lynagh misses the conversion.
27' TEMPERS STARTING TO FLARE! AUSTRALIA 0-10 LIONS
Ellis Genge produces a brilliant break through the Wallabies defence, but knocks the ball on.
A late tackle from Jeremy Williams causes a squabble to break out between the two sides, but the referee breaks things up.
23' MAGIC FROM KEENAN TO DENY POTTER! AUSTRALIA 0-10 LIONS
Harry Potter produces an almost-[erfect kick right into the corner, but Hugo Keenan waits and waits for the ball to dribble just out of play and the Lions are awarded a scrum from where the kick was taken.
That was very risky from Keenan to let the ball run, but it paid off.
20' TRY DISALLOWED! AUSTRALIA 0-10 LIONS
No try! The TMO decides that Jones was tackled before he then got back up to score, meaning that he has produced a double movement.
A penalty to the Wallabies is awarded and that is a huge let-off.
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Sione Tuipulotu of the British and Irish Lions celebrates after scoring a try during game one of the series between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 19, 2025
Image credit: Getty Images
19' LIONS TRY! AUSTRALIA 0-15 LIONS (JONES)
The Lions have been way too good so far and they score their second try of the match through Huw Jones!
Jamison Gibson-Park feeds James Lowe on the left-wing and he beats two players before playing the ball inside to Jones, who scores.
What a try!
16' LIONS ON TOP. AUSTRALIA 0-10 LIONS
The visitors have been excellent during this opening period and the Wallabies are struggling to live with their intentisty and skill.
Joe Schmidt's side will improve, but they need to do so quickly before the game gets away from them.
9' LIONS TRY! AUSTRALIA 0-10 LIONS (TUIPULOTU)
What a brilliant try from the Lions and the first of the series! The Lions work the ball brilliantly through midfield before James Lowe beats his defender.
Russell then picks out Tuipulotu with a fantastic pass over two players' heads and the Scottish international walks over the try-line.
Russell adds the extra two points.
5' LIONS WINNING THE EARLY KICKING BATTLE. AUSTRALIA 0-3 LIONS
It has been a bit of a cagey start so far, with both sides looking to secure territory, but it is the Lions who are winning the kicking battle so far.
Russell produces a brilliant kick that ends in a Lions line-out in a dangerous position.
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Ellis Genge of the British and Irish Lions is tackled during game one of the series between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at Suncorp Stadium on July 19, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia.
Image credit: Getty Images
2' AUSTRALIA 0-3 LIONS (RUSSELL)
The Lions win a penalty at the breakdown within the first minute and Finn Russell slots the penalty between the posts.
Excellent start for the visitors.
HERE WE GO!
We are underway in Brisbane.
Who will come out on top in this one?
PLAYERS ARE OUT!
The two sides have emerged on to the pitch here in Brisbane, to fireworks and a huge lights show.
This is one of the biggest spectacles in sport and the crowd are certainly ready.
The Australian national anthem is about to be belted out.
LIONS LOOKING TO REPLICATE 2013
The Lions came out on top 2-1 winners in the 2013 Lions tour of Australia, the last time they won a series.
Only four players make the starting line-up from the third Test in 2013, with Maro Itoje, Furlong, Curry and Conan all starting both matches.
This series will define players' careers.
TENSION BUILDING INSIDE THE SUNCORP STADIUM
The noise is growing inside the Suncorp Stadium here in Brisbane and there is a sea of red shirts throughout the ground.
The Lions supporters have travelled in numbers and take up the majority of the stadium.
This is set to be an absolute cracker of a match, and it seems that the atmosphere will also not disappoint.
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Team captains Maro Itoje of British & Irish Lions, left, and Harry Wilson of Australia pose with the trophy during a photocall ahead of the first test at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
Image credit: Getty Images
FAMILIAR FACES
Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell are no strangers, with Farrell working under the Wallabies coach when Schmidt was in charge of Ireland.
Schmidt is an extremely experienced coach with a fantastic track record, but Farrell has certainly proved himself since becoming Ireland head coach in 2019.
Farrell led Ireland to a series victory in New Zealand in 2022 before winning a Grand Slam in 2023.
Schmidt, who coached Ireland from 2013-19, has been with Australia for two years, as they look to get back to previous levels.
WHAT FORM ARE AUSTRALIA IN?
The Wallabies are currently ranked at No. 6 in the world after beating Fiji in their only warm-up game, thanks to a late Harry Wilson try.
Joe Schmidt's side have not been at their best over the last few years, but showed some real promise in the Autumn internationals back in November.
The Wallabies won two and lost two of those Autumn international fixtures, beating England and Wales, but losing to Scotland and Ireland.
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Sione v Suaalii: Relive monster hit from ANS 2024 as Lions prepare to meet Wallabies
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A SAD DAY FOR WELSH RUGBY
With Jac Morgan's exclusion from the matchday squad, it is the first time since 1986 that there will be no Welsh players featuring in a Lions test according to BBC Sport.
Welsh rugby has had a difficult time over the last few years and this will only add to that.
Morgan had been excellent in the warm up matches, but Farrell opted for the experience of England's Tom Curry to join Beirne and Conan in the back row.
ANDY FARRELL: WE NEED TO DO MOST THINGS RIGHT
"We have had good preparation, we have been putting our game together over the last six weeks and hoping it all comes together tonight.
"We need to do most things right to win the first test, we are playing against a desperate Australian side. It means a lot to them and a lot to us.
"Nothing concentrates the mind more than a Lions tour down under," said Andy Farrell to Sky Sports.
LIONS TEAM NEWS
The biggest debate was who would start in the back row, with Jac Morgan and Josh van der Flier unlucky to miss out on the squad, with England’s Tom Curry starting alongside Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan.
Bundee Aki is named among the substitutes, with Andy Farrell picking an all-Scottish midfield of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones.
Eight starters from Ireland, a joint-highest record amount to start a Lions test according to BBC Sport.
Hugo Keenan starts at 15, with Blair Kinghorn unavailable due to an injury picked up in the warm-up matches. Marcus Smith is among the replacements to cover both fly-half and full-back.
Ireland’s Mack Hansen is also unavailable due to injury, but has not been ruled out for the rest of the tour.
WALLABIES TEAM NEWS
Will Skelton and Rob Valetini are both unavailable through calf injuries, leaving the Wallabies slightly weak in the pack.
Noah Lolesio is unavailable through injury, so Tom Lynagh, the son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, will make his first test start.
Harry Wilson captains the side from No. 8.
WHICH RUGBY MATCHES ARE ON TNT SPORTS?
Premiership Rugby will see all 93 matches – including the Gallagher Premiership Rugby play-offs and final – on TNT Sports and discovery+. TNT Sports and discovery+ will also continue to broadcast select games from the Premiership Rugby Cup.
GOOD MORNING
Hello and welcome to TNT Sports' live text coverage of the first Test between the British & Irish Lions and Australia, live from the Sunscorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Andy Farrell's side are looking to win their first Test series since 2013 and are favorites going into the match against an injury-stricken Australian side.
Kick-off is at 11:00 BST.
Watch the 2025 Autumn Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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