FARRELL HAILS SQUAD DEPΤΗ AS LIONS GET BACK ON TRACK WITH VICTORY

ANDY Farrell praised the depth in his squad as the British and Irish Lions began their tour of Australia with victory.

- DUNCAN BECH

The Lions ran in eight tries as a gallant Western Force side were ultimately punished for not making the most of their chances in the first half when they dominated territory.

The ruthless nature of the Lions attack will have pleased Farrell, but the head coach is aware the depth of talent he saluted will be tested in the coming days with Tomos Williams having limped off with a hamstring issue.

It was tough on the Welshman, who capped an impressive performance with two tries as he laid down an early marker for a Test spot at No. 9.

Fellow scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park has yet to figure as he recovers from a glute problem, handing the tourists an early headache.

Gibson-Park is expected to make his comeback against the Reds in Brisbane on Wednesday, but with Williams struggling and Alex Mitchell facing the prospect of playing in a third consecutive game, Farrell may be forced to call up a reinforcement.

Farrell said: "There are nine new caps there. A couple of lads have not played. They will get to play in the next couple of games.

"It is nice to get tries on the board and a few good individual performances.

"That is all good for the future, and we have to keep pushing one another.

"If you want to look what a Lion should do for his team-mates is when Mack Hansen went up and down the field and fought for his team-mates.

"That's the sort of spirit we want."