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First Nations & Pasifika XV 19-24 British and Irish Lions: Van der Merwe proves the difference in nervy win

The British and Irish Lions did not look overly convincing in their last midweek game of the tour, but maintained their perfect record.

The British and Irish Lions maintained their perfect record on Australian soil after edging to a 24-19 win over a First Nations & Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday.

Andy Farrell's side were pushed all the way in Melbourne, but they managed to hold their nerve to avoid an upset.

The Lions made a strong start, with Duhan van der Merwe having a try disallowed in the opening minutes before Tristan Reilly was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Darcy Graham.

The Lions took advantage, with Jamie Osborne and Graham, who went off with a knock in the first half, both crossing to claim a debut try apiece in quick succession.

However, they could not build on that momentum as Reilly brilliantly picked off a long pass from Blair Kinghorn after coming back on to race under the posts.

Seru Uru then powered over as the hosts dragged themselves back to 14-14, though they missed a chance to take a half-time lead, as Jack Debreczeni did not have the pace after another interception.

As they did in the first half, the Lions came out fighting in the second, with Osborne getting his second five minutes in, and had another try disallowed shortly after due to a knock-on to Josh van der Flier.

Owen Farrell teed up Van der Merwe after a clever dummy to open up a 10-point lead, though the First Nations & Pasifika XV kept fighting to the end, with Rob Leota diving over to set up a nervy finish, but they could not clinch a late shock.

Data Debrief: Lions cling on

After suffering a defeat in their first match against Argentina in Dublin, the Lions have barely broken their stride in Australia, though they had to work hard to stay unbeaten.

It is the first time on this tour that they have not led at half-time, and they were lucky not to be behind at the break after a slip in discipline.

That did not end up costing them though, as Van der Merwe continued his impressive form, scoring his fifth try of the tour so far.

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