Wallabies v. Lions second test player ratings

Well, what a sequel to game one! A little scrappy at times, but the last 15 minutes was all quality. The series is deliciously poised, and I can’t wait for Saturday.



Let’s not pretend it was a super top quality game of rugby. There were plenty of quiet performances on both sides and the ratings reflect that. Have a look:

THE WALLABIES

Benn Robinson

Not as dynamic as last week, but the scrum was definitely improved. Played the full 80, and was generally solid. 6

Stephen Moore

Lineout was good, but I thought he was quiet. A few silly errors in the first half didn’t help. But he worked hard in the second half and didn’t let the side down. 5

Ben Alexander

Stepped up his game from last week, both at the set piece and aroud the field. A well-played 50th. 6

James Horwill

Industrious effort from the skipper, performance at the set piece was exceptional. Hope it isn’t the last we see of him this series. 7

Kane Douglas

Not his best outing. Was largely anonymous apart from a few dropped balls. 4



Ben Mowen

So solid. Led the lineout brilliantly, and played a key role in Gill’s steal. Gave away a few penalties though, and was probably outpointed at the breakdown. 7



Michael Hooper

Worked and worked and worked some more. Can’t fault his enthusiasm, though Warburton got the better of him on the ground. 7

Wycliff Palu

Upped his work rate this week. Led the run count, and rucks hit. Busted a few tackles as well. But the backrow was beaten at the breakdown, and he threw a silly offload. Subbed after 60 for Gill. 6

Will Genia

Flawless. Again. Probably the difference between winning and losing. 9



James O’Connor

I thought he was poor initially. But then I watched the game again. Underplayed his hand nicely, and his option taking was generally good. Set up the try well. Not one for the ages, but a definite improvement on Brisbane. 6

Joe Tomane

Only his second Test, and I thought he was pretty good. Looked dangerous in attack, and was solid in defence. A good start. 6



Christian Leali’ifano

Like JOC there were no ‘wow’ moments in general play, but I thought he was generally solid. His kicking performance was outstanding though. Another long-term Wallaby has been unearthed. 8

Adam Ashley-Cooper

Like Genia, this bloke is all class. Never put a foot wrong, and outplayed BOD for the second week in a row. 8

Israel Folau

Wasn’t given the space he had in Brisbane, but still played bloody well. Looked dangerous every time he touched the ball. 8

Kurtley Beale

Made a few errors, but threatened the line on a number of occasions. Needs work under the high ball. A real mixed bag. 6

Sekope Kepu

Came on for Alexander and played the last 20. Scrum held up well and he had a few nice touches. 6

Rob Simmons

Given plenty of time but struggled for impact. Didn’t make any errors but you can’t help thinking that MMM or Peter Kimlin may have offered more. 5

Liam Gill

Was fairly anonymous until ‘that’ steal. The Justin Harrison moment of the series. 7

