Lions ratings: Furlong and Beirne best of the Irish as Lions downed in final test
Retiring Nic White and the powerful Will Skelton and Taniela Tupou bossed proceedings for the home side, as the Lions leave on a disappointing note.
Here's how we rated the Lions players.
15. Hugo Keenan – 7
Last weekend's hero was solid in the backfield and grew into the game. Took a superb catch from Finn Russell's up and under that paved the way for Jac Morgan's try.
14. Tommy Freeman – 6
Got his hands on the ball and made a few yards but had to work off little possession. Departed with a bloody nose and a failed head injury assessment before half time.
13. Huw Jones – 6
Did well in defence against the dynamic Aussie centres before moving to the wing when Owen Farrell replaced Freeman. Chipped out on the full when he should have done better.
12. Bundee Aki – 5.5
Made for a day like today with his direct carrying ability but fumbled close to his own line and conceded a penalty. Overan the attacking line before Max Jorgensen's score.
11. Blair Kinghorn – 6
Contested well in the air but should have held onto the pass that led to Jorgensen's try. Poor second half as the Aussies got on the front foot.
10. Finn Russell – 6.5
Not up to the standard he had established in the opening two Tests, but conditions naturally played their part. Will still be disappointed with basic knock-on.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 7
Kicked well and has been one of the Lions players of the series.
1. Andrew Porter – 6.5
Part of the pack that won and lost a few scrums and was in the mix at the breakdown and the pushing and shoving. Replaced by Ellis Genge at the start of the second half.
2. Dan Sheehan – 6
Started the game with an incredible stat of 39 of 40 successful lineouts on tour but a number went astray today. Didn't impose himself as usual. Returned on 68 minutes after Rónan Kelleher's yellow.
3. Tadhg Furlong – 7
Loved his outing in the conditions and with the Australians more in possession, had plenty of opportunity to make tackles.
4. Maro Itoje – 6
Battled hard but was second best to the Australia second rows. Withdrawn on 28 minutes after failing a head injury assessment and had made 12 tackles by that stage.
5. James Ryan – 7
Another who fought for hard yards and also made 12 tackles, while the Ireland lock also took four lineouts before an unfortunate collision with Will Skelton at the start of the second half.
6. Tadhg Beirne – 7
Started with a brilliant lineout steel and won an important jackal penalty as well. Used well on the lineout.
7. Tom Curry – 7
Enjoyed a good fight with the Australia back row, busy in the close-quarter stuff. Withdrawn through injury with 10 minutes left.
8. Jack Conan – 7.5
Carried with intent and had plenty of involvements. A thoroughly satisfying tour from the Leinster number 8.
Replacements:
16. Rónan Kelleher (for Sheehan 58) – 5
Got a yellow card for repeated team penalites on 69 minutes.
17. Ellis Genge (for Porter 43) – 6.5
Gave some impact after the pause for lightning.
18. Will Stuart (for Furlong 58) – 6
Got through his shift and credited with the late consolation try.
19. Ollie Chessum (for Itoje 28) – 7
Loved the physicality. Helped with Morgan's try.
20. Jac Morgan (for Ryan 43) – 6
Took his try well but conceded a late costly penalty for a high tackle.
21. Ben Earl (for Conan 64) – 6
Saw out the final stages but couldn't make an impact.
23. Owen Farrell (for Freeman 38) – 5.5
Made little impact after replacing the Northampton man.
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Irish Times
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