Williams injury mars Lions thrashing of Western Force

The British and Irish Lions claimed their first victory on Australian soil by overwhelming Western Force 54-7, but a possible injury crisis is brewing at scrum-half after Tomos Williams was forced off.

- DUNCAN BECH AT

Williams was among the star performers at Optus Stadium, but his match was over when he injured his left hamstring during the act of finishing his second try in the 47th minute.

The Wales half-back limped from the pitch to leave the Lions sweating on the fitness of a proven option, potentially leaving Alex Mitchell as the only available jamison Gibson-Park has yet to play on tour because of a gutte problem in the position. It was the biggest disappointment of a mixed evening for Andy Farrell’s men, who bounced back from their 28-24 defeat by Argentina with an eight-try demolition of the weakest of Australia’s Super Rugby franchises while exposing areas of concern.

The lack of cohesion in defence continued, the scrum took a step backwards after excelling against the Pumas as part of a shaky overall set-piece performance, but their passes stuck in attack as they created some classy tries.