Wicklow's Jack Conan shines as the Lions roar in Australia
The scoreline flattered the hosts, who were firmly second best against a dominant Lions outfit.
Joe Schmidt's Wallabies produced a late rally through tries scored by Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott; however, a complete comeback never looked likely.
Scottish out-half Finn Russell was pulling the strings in attack, while the forward pack all put in a solid shift, especially in the back row, with Tadhg Beirne and Tom Curry justifying their selection despite much debate before the game, where the 2023 World Rugby Player of the year Josh van der Flier was left out of the matchday 23 alongside the highly-rated Welshman Jac Morgan.
32-year-old Conan put in another strong performance in the number eight jersey.
He made 10 carries, gained 64 metres and made 16 tackles.
He was one of eight Irish players to make the starting team.
Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan, and Joe McCarthy all made their Lions test debuts, while Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Bundee Aki all earned their first test appearance off the bench.
New Ross's Tadhg Furlong collected his seventh test cap, having worn the number 3 jersey throughout the 2017 and 2021 series in New Zealand and South Africa, respectively.
The competition for test places has been fierce on this Australian tour, with other players getting the opportunity to push themselves into the selection conversation for the Melbourne test this weekend during the last midweek game against First Nations & Pasifika XV.
Wicklow's van der Flier will be aiming to play his part in the final two tests as the Lions attempt to win back-to-back test series in Australia, following on from the 2013 success.
Before the game, Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell said, 'This fixture gives players another opportunity to put their hand up for selection for the final two tests.
'The coaches' minds are open when it comes to selection; they have to be with so many players performing and pushing for places, and we want that to continue for the remaining two tests,' he said.
'This group know the level of performance that we will require against a First Nations Pasifika team that is packed with talent and power.'
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