Lions vs First Nations & Pasifika XV live: Result and reaction as tourists edge hard-fought midweek clash

Lions Captain Farrell: “It was probably too tight, massive credit must go to them because they came out and fired into us.”

“We got a great foothold in the last 60 minutes, thankful we got the job done.”

“It was frantic at times, if we could have been calmer then we could have settled into what we do better. After we regrouped at half-time we managed to be more direct but they found their way back into the game.”

“Most of the guys are walking off unscathed and that means for the next 10 days they can all prepare for the Tests as one team.”

“There are no midweek games, so preparation will be much more streamlined moving forward.”

Captain Owen Farrell feels there is more to come from his team on this tour. With the final game before the 2nd test now completed, how much more can the Lions give?

Farrell said “I enjoyed being out there tonight, it’s a great tour to be a part of. It’s been good so far but there is more to come, with two big, massive games to come”.

One cannot really say that this was a night upon which Andy Farrell was given a heap of fresh selection headaches. The likelihood always was that the British and Irish Lions boss would keep continuity between first and second Tests but given a midweek opportunity to impress, few of those on the fringes really forced his hand. This was a scratchy, scrappy and surprisingly spirited affair in which the Lions were given plenty to think about by a First Nations & Pasifika XV formed at short notice but carrying the pride of the many communities they were assembled to represent.

The Lions remain unbeaten since arriving in Australia yet if this was a final audition for most of those selected, it would be fair to say they fluffed their lines. Perhaps that was to be expected given the curious look to the tourists’ matchday, the rat-a-tat-tat of injury and training call-ups over the last fortnight giving them even more of a makeshift look than usual.

Harry Latham-Coyle at Marvel Stadium: “Now then - this may be something to monitor looking ahead to the second Test. Marcus Smith has gone down the tunnel for a head injury assessment. If he were to fail it, that would be his chances of featuring on Saturday over, necessitating a new bench fly half at the MCG. Owen Farrell has probably had the tidier night than Fin Smith - Andy Farrell will be hoping Smith M comes through alright, though.”

First Nations & Pacifika not down and out yet! A late score with the kick to come makes for an exciting finish in this game.

Lions will be questioning their durability and fitness as they look to close the game out.

Lovely soft hands from the 10-12 axis of Fin Smith and Owen Farrell to manipulate the defence of First Nations & Pacifika. Momentum looking more in the Lions favour after a great finish in the corner from the Scottish international.

The Lions struggling to break the spirits of a resilient Pacifika side as we enter the final quarter of this game.

High ball contests in the air and strong defence from the hosts making life difficult for the Lions who will be frustrated at their missed opportunities.

Harry Latham-Coyle at the Marvel Stadium: “There is so much to like about Jamie Osborne as a player, the Leinster back capable anywhere from 12 outwards and rather unfortunate, you’d say, not to get more of a run with Ireland over the last 12 months after a standout showing on debut at full-back in South Africa. It’s too late for him to make a run at a Test shirt on this tour having been a late call-up but surely more opportunities will soon come in Irish green.”