Scrappy Lions survive a ferocious test

An inconsistent British and Irish Lions survived a ferocious battle to stretch their unbeaten streak to seven yesterday with a nervy 24-19 takedown of an aggressive First Nations and Pasifika XV.

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Melbourne - An inconsistent British and Irish Lions survived a ferocious battle to stretch their unbeaten streak to seven yesterday with a nervy 24-19 takedown of an aggressive First Nations and Pasifika XV.

Led by a composed Owen Farrell (right), the tourists edged the home side four tries to three under a closed roof at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium with what was effectively a B-team.

But they often lacked dynamism against a fired-up team with limited preparation but expertly marshalled by veteran Wallaby Kurtley Beale.

The Lions controlled the contest early with two tries in the opening 10 minutes, but the hosts refused to go away with plenty of niggle and brutal tackling.