Winners
Huw Jones
Jones scored twice for the Lions with his first being a perfect illustration of just how dangerous his partnership with Tuipulotu is for defences. Tuipulotu took a tight line and drew in defenders before making a short, flat pass to an arcing Jones who went straight over the line. In a Lions team that is yet to completely gel, and seems quite a way away from doing so, the familiarity between Jones and Tuipulotu stands them in good stead to start the first test. Jones needed to show what makes him special, his ability to read defences and run deadly lines off of ball-carriers, which he did throughout. An in-form Huw Jones is a difficult player to leave out.
Scott Cummings
Cummings had a poor first game against the Force in which he was largely responsible for some disastrous kickoff receptions but he looks to have put that firmly behind him. He was a late inclusion in the starting line-up having originally been selected to be on the bench before Pollock pulled out due to a minor injury. Having been given this opportunity, he took it. He was a massive influence in defence and was a big part of the Lions' last-ditch defence in the first half. He also proved to be valuable in attack with some lovely hands helping to access the wide areas through the backs.
Blair Kinghorn
Having won the top14 with Toulouse just a week ago, Kinghorn was thrown straight into the deep end. He cam straight into the starting XV but had to play out of his usual position due to the presence of Keenan. The Irishman was due to play the previous game but missed out through illness so started at fullback in this match. Kinghorn does sometimes play on the left wing for Toulouse due to the fullback depth (Ramos and Capuozzo for example) so is comfortable in that role. He didn't dominate but was good in the air and looked classy throughout. His game went up another level when he moved to fullback in the second half.
Losers
Hugo Keenan
This was Keenan's first big shot at the starting job for the test matches - it didn't go well. His most notable moment was a missed tackle on Darby Lancaster who scored far too easily as a result. Keenan is usually a rock at the back so this could be put down to a lack of game-time but the problem with that defence is the limited opportunities left before the big matches start. It also didn't help that he was outshone by his direct competition (Blair Kinghorn) throughout the match. He went off after 50 minutes and will hope to have another start before the series starts.
Tadhg Furlong
Furlong is in a tight competition for the starting tighthead spot and is not in pole position. He was decent when he came off the bench but did give away a penalty at the scrum which, other than that, was a strength for the Lions in this game. Stuart had a poor game last time he played but is still probably first in line to start and Bealham played well against the Waratahs in this game. Furlong had less success than Bealham and lacks match fitness - he faces an uphill battle to make the 23, let alone the starting XV.
Duhan Van der Merwe
Van der Merwe seems to be behind Lowe for the starting spot on the left wing which isn't surprising given Andy FArell's faith in Lowe and the Irishman's kicking prowess. In order to give himself the best chance. the Scotland international has to bring out his best, game-breaking moments to highlight the X-factor he brings to the team. In the absence of that he cannot really compete with Lowe for that spot.
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