It was always going to be some upset if the Western Force, struggling in Super Rugby this season, beat the British & Irish Lions. And with poor scheduling forcing the Force (excuse the pun) to field a second string team - they have to host the Waratahs in Super Rugby on Sunday - it was always going to be an upset of monumental proportions and as we saw tonight, the gap in quality was evident.
The side from Western Australia bravely fought on against a Lions captained by the ageless Brian O'Driscoll and definitely looked side a few steps up from the amateur Western Australia side that got hammered 100 points 12 years ago - rugby in this part of the world had since gone professional though. Even so, they ultimately got worn down by their far superior opponents and the Lions pulled away in a comfortable second half.
It is difficult to know how genuine these Lions really are against such inferior opposition. Nevertheless, there is no doubt the side Warren Gatland put out tonight showed up and were very good value for their money. The style of rugby they are playing is definitely very entertaining - and fitting for the ethos set by previous Lions sides.
There was always going to be a news-making injury in the 1st game of a Lions series - this time, it was prop Cian Healy who became the first Lions player to be stretchered off halfway through the game. While it may only just be an ankle sprain, Cian Healy now faces allegations of biting Brett Sheehan unseen by the cameras.
The Lions next face a sterner test - they play the Reds in a packed Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with 10 Wallabies possibly available as well as dropped first five Quade Cooper. This will definitely be the Lions' toughest test yet after games against a talented but always disjointed Barbarians side and the Force' reserve team. The Reds were Super Rugby champions as recently as 2011 as well and are one of the top teams in Super Rugby at the moment - plus unlike the Force can devote their full resources to this game.
It will be interesting to see what side Warren Gatland puts out in Brisbane on tonight's performance - expect the likes of Welsh centre, Jamie Roberts to come back but who will partner him in midfield - will O'Driscoll play back-to-back games at his age? Will the injured Sam Warburton be available for selection too?
I expect the Lions to win but it could be pretty close.
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