Back in 2013, the British & Irish Lions edged a thriller with the Wallabies in their first Test in Brisbane.

This time around it was a more comfortable 27–19 win at Suncorp Stadium, but the manner in which Australia finished the match will give the hosts some confidence. The tourists know they will need to find another level in Melbourne.

Curry and Beirne prove a point

The back-row selection of Tadhg Beirne on the blindside and Tom Curry at openside was arguably the biggest talking point of Andy Farrell's starting XV in Brisbane.

There is no more competitive positional dilemma — Jac Morgan, Ben Earl and Henry Pollock have been eye-catching on this tour, while Josh van der Flier and Ollie Chessum have strong claims too.

Curry, 27, was immense in a 55-minute contribution: eight carries, 11 tackles, one try scored and another brilliantly created.

Beirne's all-round game is obviously no secret, but the Munster and Ireland forward was at his very best in Brisbane — 22 tackles put him top of that count — and he was a deserving player of the match.

Room for improvement

While the scoreline shows an eight-point winning margin, the tourists, in truth, had this wrapped up early in the second half.

While Australia's strong finish gives them some cause for hope ahead of the next match in Melbourne, the Lions will point to the countless missed opportunities to add to their scoreline.

Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell combined well, but the first thing captain Maro Itoje highlighted post-match was a lack of discipline. If they can get closer to flawless and cut the mistakes, they'll be very tough to beat in the Tour’s remaining three matches.

What is not in doubt is that, after six wins from six outings — 35 tries scored, 12 against — this was still a significant step up when needed.

Russell's the real deal

Finn Russell could put the debate about who is the world's best fly-half to bed in the coming weeks.

If the early minutes of a Test series are a time to lay down a marker, then the Bath and Scotland international certainly did that in Brisbane.

His kicking off the tee and from hand was precise, and his passing game equally on point.

Nine carries, 32 metres gained, eight kicks in play and 16 passes, including sending Sione Tuipulotu clear for the game's first score. Russell simply ruled the roost.

"The first half we played really well and we put them under pressure, we just didn't have enough of the ball in the second half to continue that game plan," he said. "It felt really natural out there, we were all seeing the same space.

"It was great to put Sione in, he's not said thank you yet but he can buy us a beer tonight."

Hard to make changes

Melbourne's Marvel Stadium will host Tuesday's match between the British & Irish Lions and the First Nations & Pasifika XV.

Andy Farrell insists places are still up for grabs in his team for the second Test, though it's hard to see where those slots are, such was the performance in Brisbane.

Rusty Australia blow off cobwebs

Australia looked rusty early on, remembering it's just a fortnight since they needed a late try to beat Fiji 21–18.

They were sent back on their heels by the Lions' early physicality, something they will surely be better prepared for at the MCG.

However, what will have lifted coach Joe Schmidt's mood a little is how they finished — his replacements made an impact as they scored two late tries to reduce the deficit. The impressive Tate McDermott, in particular, has put his hand up for a starting place next week.

The Wallabies' improved second half actually gave them the better of possession, territory and carries, but the Lions made more metres and tackles.

"The players really dug in, that first ten minutes, when you find yourself 10–0 down, was frustrating, plus conceding tries before and after half-time," said Schmidt.

"The last 30 minutes I felt we earned our way back into the game and to finish as close as we did, after not a lot of time together, I'm very proud of the players.

"We've got character and there's courage, but we were not quite accurate enough. You have to be accurate against a team like the Lions, you can't fluff your lines."