The British and Irish Lions held off the First Nations and Pasifika XV 24-19 in a tough, physical contest on Tuesday in the last of their midweek games on the Australian tour. The Lions can now focus on trying to clinch the three-test series against the Wallabies on Saturday in Melbourne after winning the first match 27-19 last weekend in Brisbane.

The Lions remain unbeaten since arriving in Australia but 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 British and Irish Lions held on to their unbeaten status, but only just, beating First Nations Pasifika XV 24-19 in a brutal clash in Melbourne.