WHAT THEY SAID: Lions, Wallabies react to first Test in Brisbane

Sat, Jul 19, 2025, 12:20 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The British & Irish Lions will head to Melbourne with the series lead after an eight-point win over the Wallabies.

The hosts finished fast but couldn't claw back the lead as the Lions were too good, especially in the first half.

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Here's what the players had to say after the match.

Player of the Match and Lions back-rower Tadhg Beirne

“I’m delighted and delighted for the team after an incredible win. We knew it would be a battle so we wanted to put my best foot forward for my teammates.

“I thought our defence was very good for the most part but the last quarter we leaked a lot of penalties as the Aussies will take plenty of confidence from that.

“The goal is to win every game, and we started off with a win, so the goal continues next week. We want to keep winning, and we’re competitors, so we’ve put a good foot forward for next week.”

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt

"Very proud of the way the players fought their way back.

"A comparatively young side ... still finding their way.

"This time last year we would have melted, but I love the way this team is developing."

Lions captain Maro Itoje

“We’re delighted with the win. The game was a tough Test match.

“I thought we started very well in the first half and played a lot of good stuff, then the second half was a little too and fro.

“It’s a good position for us to be in with a lot of work ons and the coaches will have a good, hard look at that game and there will be plenty of good things we can take out of it.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson 

“It’s obviously disappointing because we wanted to win. I feel like we just couldn’t get our game going like we like but credit to the Lions because they were too good.

“They won a few big moments and that’s something we really wanted to do so we’ll look to do that next week.

“Nothing changes, to win the series you need to win two games so we’ll go to Melbourne to do that.”

Lions coach Andy Farrell

"Both teams would have been targeting this match so I'm delighted to come away with the victory.

"We started well physically and that played into the momentum of how we played the first half.

"But I have no doubt in the second half Australia would have been pretty pleased with their physicality as well."

Wallabies flyhalf Tom Lynagh on Test debut

“It was a tough result to take, but a special night for not just me but the rest of the team. This series happens once every 12 years, so it’s really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Very special feeling, unfortunate we couldn’t get the result, but there are two games to go and we’re going to give it everywhere.

“This is the stuff you live for. I’ve always dreamed of being in this position and tonight it happened. I’m happy I got the opportunity but disappointed with the result.” 

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