TOM IS HO BANG UP FOR IT!

Curry's hour of power shames critics as Lions fire whitewash warning shot

- ADAM HATHAWAY

TOM CURRY proved too hot for the Wallabies as the British & Irish Lions got off to a winning start - but they were made to sweat.

The tourists got the job done against an Australia side ranked sixth in the world, with Curry playing out of his skin before tiring but the hosts never threw the beach towel in.

Their two late scores put a gloss on the scoreline - reward for a second half when they made Andy Farrell's men defend like dogs to protect their lead.

Curry, whose selection ahead of Wales flanker Jac Morgan was slammed, turned in a worldclass hour, scoring a try and hounding the Aussies to distraction.

Tadhg Beirne, the Ireland blindside, was another who justified his selection, so too No.8 Jack Conan, as the entire starting back-row put in a power-packed display.

Finn Russell, in his first Lions Test start, ran the game in the first half, when the visitors sprinted to a 12-point lead, before being taken off with 13 minutes left.