Warren Gatland vindicated – or, perhaps, for some, pardoned – and the Lions victorious. 41-16 to the tourists in Sydney and the first Lions tour win in 16 years. Whatever else may be said in the debate about Brian O’Driscoll’s exclusion today, there is no doubt that this performance has taken much of the fuel out of that debate.

The Lions started at an electric pace in Sydney, with Will Genia fumbling Jonny Sexton’s kick off gifting them the perfect start. Australia's first mistake came just seconds before Alex Corbisiero bounced over the line - after less than 90 seconds of play - to open up a gap that the Wallabies would never close.

By 25 minutes the Lions were 19-3 ahead, with no resistance in sight. A late surge from the hosts brought competition back to the game before the break, with James O’Connor crossing the line as the final act of the first half, to make it 19-10.

Two penalties from Christian Leali’ifano opened the second half to narrow the gap to 3. More than ever the potential for embarrassment to Gatland’s selection raised its head, as a distinct lack of leadership appeared ready to emerge as Australia scored 13 unanswered points either side of the break.

Any doubt was fleeting, however. Excellent work from the Lions pack, just over 10 minutes into the second half, won a penalty 30 metres from the Australian line. Halfpenny resumed his ruthless service and the Lions never looked back.

The Aussies wouldn’t score again, while the Lions fleshed out their win with tries from George North, Sexton and Jamie Roberts.

Image: Lion's Jonathan Sexton celebrates scoring a try
©INPHO/Dan Sheridan