WHAT THEY SAID: British & Irish Lions, ACT Brumbies react to gutsy Canberra win

Wed, Jul 9, 2025, 12:20 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The British & Irish Lions continue to roll in Australia. Photo: Getty Images
The British & Irish Lions continue to roll in Australia. Photo: Getty Images

The British & Irish Lions have fought their way to a 36-24 win over the ACT Brumbies.

The Brumbies pushed the hosts throughout the game but the Lions were clinical in the big moments to keep their unbeaten run in Australia going.

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Here's what the big names had to say after the win.

Player of the match Jamison Gibson Park

“It was a little patchy and in that respect you have to hand it to the Brumbies, they came in with some good plans and they executed them pretty well.

“We’re happy with a few bits of what we put out there tonight and we’re happy with the win.

Lions captain Maro Itoje

“The Brumbies were very good today and they challenged us throughout the game. It was a hotly contested game but another step in the right direction.

“There a few things to tidy up like our accuracy inside the 22 but a step forward.

“We’re building a team where a group of individuals come together so the more we play together, the better we get, we just have to accelerate that.”

Brumbies captain Ryan Lonergan

“Proud. I think the way we defended was quality and it shows how much pride we have in the jersey.

“Although we weren’t perfect, the Lions put us under a whole lot of pressure as we expected and when we didn’t clear our end or make mistakes, they made us pay.”

Canberra born, Lions winger Mack Hansen

“It was quite weird to be honest. Coming back was a bit emotional to be fair.

“We’re all in this team striving for the test matches so if I didn’t play it is what it is but the fact I got to play here I’m pretty chuffed.

“[Canberra] has changed a lot since I’ve been here. It’s blown me away. I gave the boys a lot of recommendations and most had either closed down or been redeveloped.”

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham

"There were a few errors in the first half, but overall I thought the effort was outstanding. The guys that came off the bench did an amazing job and everyone contributed.

"There were a few lapses in coming out of our own end but we were under the pump for the majority of that game and we were dogged defensively.

"I guess like every other Australian team we've come up short this time around and they were pretty good with a near-full strength team."

Hooper brothers

“I learnt pretty quickly in life, whether it was this level or under 7s, not to talk about Rugby with him. He’s the type of guy who would be in his room while we were watching the Test matches. He’s got a natural Rugby gift and Rugby nous,” - Tom

“Obviously to be able to debut against the Lions is one thing but to do it with your brother is something special. There aren’t a lot of people that get to play with their brothers, let alone debut with them so it’s definitely the highlight of my life at the moment,” - Lachlan.

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