Australia vs Lions: The Ideal XV of the Tournament, According to ESPN

The British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia has come to an end. Despite the defeat in the last match of a 10-match schedule, the psychological challenge of facing the third Test against the Wallabies, with the series already secured 2-0, was unique. Australia took the victory with a score of 22-12 in adverse conditions in Sydney on Saturday. The match was interrupted by an electrical storm that flooded the field with rain for much of the game. A stormy end to a dramatic tour, with eight Lions victories and defeats in the first match against Argentina and in the final Test. Here’s the series team, selected by Sam Bruce.

Tom Curry of the British & Irish Lions faces Australia players Harry Wilson, center, Taniela Tupou, left, and Len Ikitau, rightFULLBACK: TOM WRIGHTThe Wallabies defender surpasses Hugo Keenan, despite the Irishman scoring the try that sealed the series at the MCG. Wright ran 85 meters more than Keenan and beat seven defenders, which gives him the position.RIGHT WING: MAX JORGENSENJorgensen, 20 years old, had three spectacular matches for Australia, scoring memorable tries in the first and third Tests, proving to be one of the most elusive players.OUTSIDE CENTRE: HUW JONESHuw Jones took ownership of the number 13 jersey for the Lions. He scored a try in the second Test and created defensive headaches for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. The Australian showed his class with try assists in the second and third Tests, but is still learning defensively at center.INSIDE CENTRE: LEN IKITAUIkitau was forced to make the difficult runs against a defense that awaited him. He had 13 carries for 29 meters in difficult conditions in Sydney.LEFT WING: JAMES LOWELowe receives recognition, largely for his assist for Tadhg Beirne’s vital try in the second half of the second Test. Lowe mixed the good with the bad in the first two Tests, before being replaced by Blair Kinghorn in Sydney.

FLY-HALF: FINN RUSSELL

The Scottish player played above Tom Lynagh in the first two Tests. Behind a team that dominated the first half in Brisbane and the second in Melbourne, Russell was able to weave his magic, especially with his passing game. His pass for Sione Tuipulotu’s try in Brisbane was a work of art.

SCRUM-HALF: JAMISON GIBSON-PARK

Gibson-Park enjoyed a brilliant series where he controlled the pace behind a dominant team and made the correct kick-pass-run decision on almost every occasion.

NO. 8: JACK CONAN

Conan had the most significant involvements in the three Tests; his 24 tackles in the tourists’ victory in the second Test were the highest figure of the series. He also provided a try assist in Melbourne and was busy on both sides of the ball during the three Tests.

NO. 7: TOM CURRY

English proved to be one of the standout players of the series. Curry was excellent on both sides of the ball, scoring a try in the first and second Tests, and produced what may have been the most important play of the series with his desperate tackle on Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the second half in Melbourne.

NO. 6: TADHG BEIRNE

Beirne became a legend after being named player of the series on Saturday night. A force in both attack and defense, he was a deserved man of the match in Brisbane and a consistent contributor throughout the three matches.

NO. 5: WILL SKELTON

The difference in the Wallabies’ fortunes was notable when the powerful second row was on the field. The Wallabies were 14 points up while Skelton was on the field during the second and third Tests combined. The veteran also earned the antipathy of the Lions and was key to solidifying the Wallabies’ scrum in Melbourne and Sydney.

NO. 4: MARO ITOJE

English has secured a place in rugby history, becoming the second winning Lions captain this century. Itoje was excellent in the first two Tests, winning the man of the match award at the MCG, producing several key plays amidst his great defensive and game work.

NO. 3: TADHG FURLONG

Furlong re-established himself as one of the best tighthead props in the game. Furlong was brilliant in the collision and gave glimpses of his remarkable skillset.

NO. 2: DAN SHEEHAN

Sheehan was sensational in the first two Tests, his work around the field and his rugby intelligence were key in helping the Lions to their first series win since 2013. He was a try scorer in the first and second Tests, and ran 50 meters in Brisbane.

NO. 1: JAMES SLIPPER

Slipper was a rock for Australia at loosehead prop in each of the three Tests. He was vital to their dominance in the game in Brisbane and in the first half in Melbourne, while he was busy in both attack and defense.