The British & Irish Lions have been pushed all the way by First Nations Pasifika, fighting their way to a 24-19 win in Melbourne.
The FNP team troubled the Lions all night with their line speed and physicality, going into the break tied at 14-all.
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But it was Irish import Jamie Osborne that proved the difference, taking his chance after his late call-up as he crossed for a double.
The hosts fought back late but couldn't deliver the winner as the Lions held on for the win.
Toutai Kefu's team were on the back foot instantly after Triston Reilly was yellow-carded for a high shot on Darcy Graham.
Graham was racing away to the try-line, with the glancing blow from Reilly enough for the TMO to intervene and issue the yellow card.
This allowed the Lions to build a 14-0 lead after flyhalf Fin Smith set up both tries, kicking to Jamie Osborne before throwing the long ball for Graham to dive over.
The reliance on the cutout ball would turn out to be their undoing in the first half as Reilly latched onto an intercept soon after his return from the sin bin for their first points of the night.
This gave the First Nations Pasifika life, and they rolled down the field for their second via Seru Uru. The Lions found themselves down to 14 after James Ryan brought down Kalani Thomas cynically in the build-up to the try.
The hosts’ forward pack stepped up at set-piece, with the likes of Taniela Tupou, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Lington Ieli leading the way.
Jack Debreczeni nearly gave the First Nations Pasifika XV the lead after an intercept, with the Lions scrambling to go into the break tied at 14-all.
The Lions steamed after the break and Osborne continues his dream Lions debut after crossing for his second.
Andy Farrell’s side pressed for another try, with Josh van der Flier denied by the TMO for a knock-on amid the chaos of the loose ball.
But the First Nations Pasifika rallied in defence to withhold several further chances.
They could only hold on for so long as Duhan van der Merwe strolled over to extend the lead to ten with 17 minutes to go.
This failed to dent their spirits, however, with local product Rob Leota setting up the grandstand finish with nine minutes to go.
With the momentum flowing, the hosts threw the ball around, with a late chance inside the Lions' 22 ending with the ball in touch.
A late steal from Henry Pollock and a mistake ended the hopes of a famous win as the Lions remain unbeaten in Australia.
British & Irish Lions 24 (Osborne 2, Graham, van Der Merwe tries; F. Smith 2 cons) def First Nations & Pasifika 19 (Reilly, Uru, Leota tries; Beale 2 cons
