Lions Tour: Huw Jones and Alex Mitchell enhance Test claims in scrappy win over Waratahs

Lions look back

Huw Jones is 8-1 with bet365 to be the top Test tryscorer in the British & Irish Lions' series against Australia after going over twice in his team's scrappy 21-10 win against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.

Head coach Andy Farrell was far from satisfied despite a third victory down under but centre Jones and scrum-half Alex Mitchell both produced performances that will enhance their hopes of starting the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19.

The tried-and-tested combination of Jones and Sione Tuipulotu helped the Lions get their first try as Tuipulotu fooled the Tahs' defence with a trademark carry to the line and no-look pass for his onrushing Scotland and Glasgow colleague to touch down. 

Mitchell then found Jones close to the line and the centre stepped laterally to draw the defence before displaying his power to rumble over after 32 minutes.

Hugo Keenan failed to stop Darby Lancaster from scoring the Waratahs' opening try Credit: AFP via Getty Images

However, it was another clunky first half and, after having an earlier try ruled out for obstruction, the Waratahs deservedly got on the board when Darby Lancaster made the most of some sharp hands before breaking Hugo Keenan's tackle to score in the corner.

Ethan Dobbins then dotted down to make it 14-10 soon after the break but Mitchell showed his class on 55 minutes, dummying twice before scoring the Lions' third and final try, all three of which were converted by his Northampton and England colleague Fin Smith.

Despite their issues in Sydney, the Lions remain the 1-3 favourites to win the series, with Australia 5-2 and the tie 28-1.

Talking points against the Waratahs

Wednesday's win over Queensland Reds was viewed as a step forward for the Lions but it was another frustrating first half for them in Sydney and they struggled to build any rhythm after the break.

There were positives, with the scrum dominant and late inclusion Scott Cummings, who came in after Henry Pollock's precautionary withdrawal with a tight calf, helping the line-out to run smoothly, while Ben Earl carried well from number eight.

The set-piece is clearly an area of strength for the Lions but despite complaints from the players about a slippery ball, Andy Farrell will be worried by his team's lack of cohesion in possession.

Ellis Genge failed to ground the ball over the line and there were also some key missed tackles, including Hugo Keenan's slip on Darby Lancaster for the home side's try, which added to the feeling of a dearth of precision across the performance in Sydney. 

Standout performer

Scrum-half Alex Mitchell marked his Player of the Match performance with the British & Irish Lions' final try in SydneyCredit: Getty Images

Huw Jones' two-try showing is hard to ignore. He linked wonderfully with his Glasgow and Scotland teammate Sione Tuipulotu for the opening score before displaying lovely footwork in moving laterally to create space before barging over for his second.

It is a straight shootout at outside centre between Jones and Ireland's Garry Ringrose but after a try on Wednesday in his first start against the Reds, the 31-year-old looked even better in Sydney.

Jamison Gibson-Park has made only one appearance on the tour and after Tomos Williams' injury, Alex Mitchell could be the front-runner to start at scrum-half in the first Test.

The Englishman also scored a try and played at tempo to keep the Waratahs on the back foot.

What's next?

The Lions head to the Australian capital on Wednesday to take on the Brumbies in Canberra. The home team finished third in this year's Super Rugby Pacific standings, the highest of any of the Australian sides.

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2025 British & Irish Lions Tour schedule

The British & Irish Lions play ten matches this summer and after beginning their schedule with a 28-24 defeat to Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Andy Farrell's side have scored a half-century of points in wins over the Western Force and Queensland Reds since arriving in Australia.

They were less fluent against the Waratahs, winning 21-10, and next up is a date with the Brumbies, the first of just two remaining tour matches before the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19.

Here is the full itinerary:

Odds correct at time of publication.

2025 British & Irish Lions squad in full

Forwards: Tadhg Beirne, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Scott Cummings, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, Ronan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Jac Morgan, Henry Pollock, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Pierre Schoeman, Dan Sheehan, Will Stuart, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Owen Farrell, Tommy Freeman, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Huw Jones, Hugo Keenan, Blair Kinghorn, James Lowe, Alex Mitchell, Garry Ringrose, Finn Russell, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.

Read Jack Ogalbe's thoughts on the Lions squad

Where can I watch the 2025 Lions tour?

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia is being shown live on Sky Sports.

Who is the captain of the Lions?

England forward Maro Itoje was named as the captain of the British & Irish Lions at May's squad announcement at the O2 in London. He is the first English captain of the Lions since Martin Johnson led them on the 2001 tour down under and only the third in 89 years.

Who is the Lions' head coach?

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was appointed as leader of the British & Irish Lions in 2024. Farrell, who enjoyed a stellar career in rugby league with Wigan, is currently the head coach of Ireland, whom he has guided to two Six Nations titles. 

What is the betting for the 2025 Lions Tour?

Here are the latest odds for the British & Irish Lions' three-match Test series against Australia's Wallabies.

Odds correct at 11am on Thursday, June 26. Subject to change.

Read more ...

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