CURRY ON WINNING!

TOM CURRY proved too hot for the Wallabies as the Lions got off to a winning start - but they were made to sweat by the proud Aussies.

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The tourists got the job done against a side ranked sixth in the world with Curry playing out of his skin before tiring, but the hosts never threw in the beach towel.

Their two late scores put a gloss on the scoreline but were reward for a second half when they made Andy Farrell's men defend like dogs to protect their lead.

Curry - whose selection ahead of Wales flanker Jac Morgan was slammed - turned in a world-class hour, scoring a try and hounding the Aussies to distraction.

Tadhg Beirne, the Ireland blindside, was another who justified his selection, as was No.8 Jack Conan, as the entire starting back row turned in a power-packed display.

Finn Russell, in his first Lions Test start, ran the game in the first half when the Lions sprinted to a 12-point lead before being taken off with 14 minutes left.

Marcus Smith replaced the Scot and skipper Maro Itoje ordered the England man to kick a penalty with seven minutes to go and the game in the bag.