Big breakfasts & bigger moments: Lions draw first blood in Brisbane

There’s nothing quite like a Lions Test morning at the club. With kick-off set for 11.00am, the Black & Amber faithful began filtering into the clubhouse from just after ten,  lured not just by the rugby, but by the unmistakable aroma of bacon, eggs, and ambition drifting from SCRUM Kitchen.

And let’s be honest, on a morning like this, only the Big Scrum Breakfast would do. Some went classic with sausage, beans, and toast stacked high; others took a more adventurous turn (yes, we saw you with the black pudding and spinach). Whatever the plate, appetites were matched only by anticipation.

The screen flickered on. Goosebumps came, and then the Lions roared.

A dominant first-half performance saw Andy Farrell’s men storm to a 27–19 win over the Wallabies in Brisbane, clinching a crucial 1–0 series lead. From the first whistle, the Lions were on it, winning a breakdown penalty inside a minute, which Finn Russell slotted over with typical calm.

Not long after, Russell worked his magic again, flinging a jaw-dropping pass wide to Sione Tuipulotu, who strolled over untouched. A hush fell over the clubhouse soon after as Huw Jones, a Canterbury junior turned international Lion, dotted down what looked like a glorious try… only for it to be ruled out for a double movement. Disappointment, yes, but pride in his performance? Overflowing. He looked sharp, dangerous, and right at home on one of rugby’s biggest stages.

The Lions kept up the pressure, and just before half-time, Tom Curry muscled over after a sustained siege inside the Aussie 22. Not long after the break, he was involved again, this time stealing a lineout and kickstarting the move that saw Dan Sheehan dive over in the corner for try number three.

Australia hit back late on with tries from Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott, giving the home side a flicker of hope, but in truth, this was the Lions’ day from the outset.

Throughout the morning, raffle tickets were flying off the bar for the chance to win a signed Huw Jones Lions shirt. At £10 a strip, it was definitely worth a punt, and with his name on everyone’s lips, it felt all the more special to have that chance. The winner will be drawn at the end of the final test, so stay tuned.

With one eye on the First Nations & Pasifika XV clash this Tuesday and the next Test looming in Melbourne next weekend, the series is poised perfectly. But for those of us back in Canterbury, the real story was watching one of our own wearing red.

From cub to Lion, we see you, Huw.
And we’ll be back next Saturday, plates full, hearts full, voices loud……and maybe I’ll buy another strip of raffle tickets.

The second test will be shown under cover on our outdoor screen due to a private event being held in the clubhouse from 11.30am. The outdoor bar will be open and serving for the match, and breakfast sandwiches will be served from the BBQ area for those who missed out on a Big Scrum.

It is probably worth booking a table ahead for breakfast. Tables can be booked in the clubhouse with the full menu. Last orders for pre match will be 10.30am.