British and Irish Lions survive ferocious test to edge First Nations and Pasifika

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

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Led by a composed Owen Farrell, 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 IO minutes, but the hosts refused to go away with plenty of niggle and brutal tackling.

They struck back to reach the break all square at 14-14 before the Lions lifted in the second half, then survived a late Pasifika fightback.