LIONS EYE SERIES

THE British and Irish Lions have sight of a series victory after overpowering Australia 27-19 in a one-sided opener that only became competitive in the second half.

- By DUNCAN BECH

Billed as strong favourites to win the first Test at Suncorp Stadium, they surpassed expectations by taking the Wallabies apart in a first half that exposed the gulf in class between the rivals.

Flankers Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne were at the heart of their dominance up front with props Ellis Genge and Dan Sheehan delivering strong supporting roles, while Finn Russell cast a spell over the home defence.

Russell had serious firepower to unleash in the form of centres Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, the classy number 13 touching down with the omnipresent Curry and Sheehan also crossing.

For all the fireworks from the Lions, who had built an unassailable 24-5 lead just seconds after the interval, their play became far more ragged in the final half-hour with Australia's bench having greater impact.