WELCOME TO AUSTRALIA. Wipe your feet on the mat and help yourself to some tries.
The last time the British and Irish Lions played in Perth they racked up a cricket score, beating Western Australia 116-10 in a rout that percolated a joyous steam on head coach Graham Henry’s glasses.
Scott Quinnell, who crossed for a hat-trick of tries, dived over in the lefthand corner for the first score of the game within four minutes:
Rob Howley sniped in for the second and there were further scores for Dan Luger, Danny Grewcock, Will Greenwood, Neil Back and Quinnell again as Western Australia became a dot in the rearview mirror. It was 57-0 at half-time.
Speaking to Sky Sports at the break, replacement scrumhalf Austin Healy said, “It’s been a good start and the boys are quite happy… more of the same and just get on with it.” The Leicester Tiger soon joined the party.
Iain Balshaw scored a brace as the game went into its closing stages and the scoring was finished off by Brian O’Driscoll, who captains the Lions tomorrow:
Western Australia have became a Super Rugby franchise, named Western Force, in 2006. They achieved their best ever season in 2007 when they finished seventh in the league. Former players of note include Nathan Sharpe, David Pocock, Matt Giteau and James O’Connor.
To get you in the mood, here is the full match:
YouTube credit: VGoro HD Rugby
*TheScore.ie will be liveblogging all the Lions v Western Force action from 10:30am on Wednesday morning.
