The Lions comfortably won the first test, even though the scoreboard suggested a competitive game. The Wallabies were just nowhere, outmuscled and outgunned and only started to scratch back some respect when the likes of McDermott came on to add some zip to proceedings.
Yet not all the lessons were learned. The same struggling halfback pairing again started the second test, with the addition of Skelton and Valetini to the pack providing some much needed grunt. Australia dominated the first 30 minutes, but then fell apart as they couldn't get the defensive pressure and tackling accuracy required to seal the win. You have to wonder where the defensive pressure we saw in the third test was. Did they take the foot off the gas and try to just ride out their lead? Even so, against a team rife with weak links the Lions hardly looked dominant.
Then the strange third test, dominated from start to finish by Australia in pouring rain and featuring a 40 minute suspension during the second half for lightning. Australia had the better handling, more physicality and suddenly found the urgency switch on their defense. Players like Pietsch, absent for the unconvincing Harry Potter in the first two tests, brought a fighting spirit to the outside backs while White's crisp service and niggling shithousery seemed to get under the Lions skins, much like the bulky and aggressive presence of Skelton. McDermott keeping the defense busy with his little snipes around the fringes after White left the field, ultimately bagging him another well taken try to put the Aussies beyond reach, likewise brings up the spectre of the difference these players could have made in the second test. We can also wonder why coach Schmidt persisted with what could only be termed safety first selections when it was clear after the first test that some blood and guts players were required.
The Lions were battered in the third test, got home by the skin of their teeth in the second, and now you have to ask how good they really were. Australia is hardly the benchmark test side in world rugby right now.
The Wallabies will probably rue the fact that they had so little preparation before this series. Surely a Lions series deserved better, and looking at the improvement in the side between test one and three, a lot could have been different.