Lions Edge Out Waratahs in Sloppy but Telling Tour Test
Well, that match between the British & Irish Lions and the NSW Waratahs was... something. The Lions came away with a 21-10 win in Sydney, but the performance raised more questions than answers. Watching it unfold, you couldn’t help but notice the frustration etched on faces — both on the field and in the stands.
From the very first whistle, it was clear that this wasn't going to be a smooth affair. The Lions got off to a strong start with two early tries from Huw Jones, showing off his footwork and finishing ability. But then, things got messy. Possession wasn’t a problem for the Lions — what they did with it, however, was. So many dropped balls, missed passes, and disjointed phases made it a bit of a chore to watch at times. You could feel the lack of cohesion.
To be fair, the Waratahs — mostly a B-team, let’s not forget — gave the Lions a decent scare. They fought hard at the breakdown, disrupted play constantly, and didn’t shy away from big tackles. Darby Lancaster’s first-half try was a moment of real flair for the home side, giving fans something to cheer about, even if the conversion was missed. Ethan Dobbins then added another after the break, pulling the score back to 14-10 at one point and putting pressure right back on the visitors.
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But it was Alex Mitchell’s darting score in the second half that ultimately sealed the win for the Lions. Named Man of the Match, Mitchell himself admitted it had been a tough day at the breakdown. And it really was. Credit to the Waratahs’ jackal work — they slowed the ball down and frustrated any attacking rhythm the Lions tried to build.
What stood out more than the scoreline, though, was the Lions’ inability to play with intent. Their scrum was dominant — easily their best area — but their attacking structure was flat and predictable. There were very few moments where the Waratahs’ defence looked even remotely troubled. Andy Farrell’s comments post-match summed it up perfectly: yes, a win is a win, but that level of sloppiness, especially in handling and exits, just won’t cut it going forward.
Then there was the mysterious wet pitch. Farrell hinted at some gamesmanship there, suggesting the conditions may have been “prepared” to throw the Lions off their game. Conspiracy or not, it shouldn't have mattered. These are professional players, and basic ball handling shouldn't break down just because the grass is damp.
Ultimately, no injuries were reported — which might be the best news for the Lions from this game. But with the Brumbies up next, and a Test series looming, they’ll need to seriously sharpen up. If they want to be contenders and not just tourists, this kind of unstructured, imprecise rugby won't cut it. The Waratahs might be a second-string team, but they exposed cracks that better sides will absolutely exploit.
So yes, the Lions won. But if this was a dress rehearsal, there’s a lot of work to do before opening night.
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