The British and Irish Lions began their tour of Australia last night with a thumping 69-17 win over an inexperienced Western Force side, but the match was marred by an accusation of biting against the Lions prop Cian Healy, who also suffered a suspected ankle ligament injury and was stretchered off late in the first half.
The match was halted for a long period in the 18th minute after the Force halfback Brett Sheehan complained that he'd been bitten on the forearm, though the television match official could find no evidence to support his complaint. The matter was referred to the citing commissioner.
The Lions coach Warren Gatland was critical of the Force's weakened selection which included seven players who haven't played super rugby.
Skipper Brian O'Driscoll crossed twice as the British and Irish Lions ran in nine tries to crush an under-strength Western Force 69-17 at Subiaco Oval in their first match in Australia on Wednesday.
The centre, standing in for tour captain Sam Warburton, was joined on the scoresheet by compatriots Jonny Sexton, Jamie Heaslip and Tommy Bowe as the Irish Lions ran rampage. Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny had a perfect night with 11 kicks from 11.
