Finlay Bealham: Brought in when Zander Fagerson had to withdraw. Put in a strong scrummaging display against Argentina in the Lions’ opening game that got people talking, especially since Tadhg Furlong was still searching for his form. Overtaken by Furlong and Will Stuart but there is no disgrace in that. 6
Tadhg Beirne: Incredible. Wasn’t at his best when he arrived on tour but he became an utter machine as time went on; power, carries, tackle count, minutes played. A brilliant tour and the player of the series from a Lions perspective. 9.5
Ollie Chessum: Played his way into the Test team for Melbourne after Joe McCarthy’s injury but didn’t produce his best on the day and was dropped to the bench for the third Test. Only 24, he’ll be back in 2029. 7
Jack Conan: One of 11 players who started all three Tests. Conan was brutally harsh on his own performance in the second Test in Melbourne, but he was robust all tour, a powerful man. Not quite at full throttle, but good. 7.5
Luke Cowan-Dickie: Played well in both of his starts in Australia, albeit the second one – AUNZ Invitational – was when his game-time ended after a horrible blow to the head. Would have put heat on Ronan Kelleher for a Test bench spot. 6.5
Scott Cummings: Got off to a nightmarish start when failing to deal with restarts against the Western Force. After that, he was really good. Bounced back with a fine performance against the Waratahs and was strong again versus First Nations and Pasifika. 6.5
Tom Curry: Looks permanently exhausted, but what a sensational player. Empties the tank every single time. Demonic physical presence. Set the tone in the first Test with a thumping hit on James Slipper and never let up after that. 9
Ben Earl: Went around Australia with a smile permanently fixed to his face. Clearly loved every second of life as a Lion. And played well. A bench spot in two of the three Tests. Maybe lucky not to get a yellow card in Melbourne but his work-rate was huge throughout. 7.5
Tadhg Furlong: Has now started nine consecutive Lions Tests, which is just freaky in the modern age. Had not played much rugby coming on to the tour but got better and better. The third Test was a difficult night, but he soldiered on. A Lions great. 8.5
Ellis Genge: An excellent tour for the loosehead prop. Very solid in the scrum and a big ball carrier in most of his games. Started the first Test and was powerful. Came off the bench in the second Test and helped drive the Lions forward in those late, pivotal moments. 8
Maro Itoje: Such a compelling individual. Bright and thoughtful. Good company in press conferences and in smaller gatherings. You wanted to hear what the captain had to say. Supreme for much of the tour, until his final Test went wrong after failing an early HIA. The Lions missed him when he was absent. 9
