Warren Gatland’s men ran in 10 tries in total, securing an easy 64-0 win in the process. Against such an inexperienced team, there was always a chance the fixture would be one-sided, something which was proved to be evident early on.
A first half brace from North and tries from Cuthbert, Connor Murray, Stuart Hogg and Hibbard had given the Lions a comfortable 38-0 lead at the break, Hogg adding the extras from the tee.
The scoring continued in the second half, Welsh backs Leigh Halfpenny and Jonathan Davies impressing as replacements as they both crossed for a try apiece. Captain Brian O’Driscoll and fellow Irishman Sean O’Brien, who impressed throughout, also found themselves on the score sheet in an easy win.
What would have pleased Gatland and his coaching staff though was that they kept the opposition score to nil, the Lions’ defence holding out until the final whistle.
It took just eight minutes for the Lions to get the scoreboard rolling and when the opening try came, it was a score made in Wales. A superb break from Justin Tipuric saw the flanker in plenty of space. He took full advantage, feeding Cuthbert who dived over in the corner. Hogg added the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
Cardiff Blues wing Cuthbert then returned the favour, setting up Murray for a second before Hogg raced through for a try of his own. The Scottish international, playing at fly half instead of his usual position of full back, failed to convert his own score but added the extras to Murray’s try and after 15 minutes, the Lions were 19 points clear.
The scoring pattern continued, North finishing off a length of the field move following a Sean Maitland break and Hibbard burrowing over from close range. There was still time for North to add his second with a simple finish and after Hogg had converted two of those three scores, the men in red were well clear at the interval.
On a hat-trick, North failed to reappear after the break with Halfpenny taking his place. Alun Wyn Jones was also introduced with the Welsh replacements helping the Lions to four further scores.
O’Driscoll soon extended the lead before Halfpenny got his first try of the tour, running a superb line from a Hogg pass and finishing expertly.
Welsh representation then grew further with the introductions of Davies, Faletau and late on Mike Phillips with there still being enough time for O’Brien and Davies to complete the scoring.
Davies’ score was the pick of the two, the Scarlets man pouncing on a superb grubber through from O’Driscoll right on the final whistle.Â
Overall, it was a simple and expected win for the Lions but Gatland will demand an improvement, particularly at the line-out, when the Lions play the Waratah’s in Sydney on Saturday.
