TOM IS BANG UP FOR IT!

Curry’s hour of power shames critics as Lions fire whitewash warning shot

- FROM ADAM HATHAWAY

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

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

Their two late scores put a gloss on the scoreline - 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, so too No.8 Jack Conan, as the entire starting back-row put in a power-packed display.

Scotland star Finn Russell, in his first Lions Test start, ran the game in the first half, when the visitors sprinted to a 12-point lead, before being taken off with just 13 minutes left.