The first game is done and dusted and the Lions have one down, nine to go. It was a win, if a stuttering one, and we'll have an in depth analysis article later this evening. To begin with, a look at the individual performances, who thrived and who froze.

1. Andrew Sheridan - 5
Part of a front row that gave the Royal XV a tough day at scrum time, but was found wanting in defence. Sheridan is an experienced player now, and he needs to add more to the game. For such a big powerful man, the prop needs to bring some carrying to his game.

2. Matthew Rees - 5
The hooker has always been slightly suspect throwing into the lineout, and after a few early wobbles, it was generally not too bad. Lost a scrum against the head and didn't appear as much in the loose as a Lions hooker needs to. Much like Sheridan really - Rees needs to bring more intensity to the Lions test shirt.

3. Adam Jones - 6
Destructive scrummaging against a medicore front-row and more noticeable in the loose than his front row colleagues. An underrated player who has improved his fitness and conditioning hugely under Warren Gatland's Welsh regime.

4. Simon Shaw - 5
The Wasp was guilty - like much of the pack - of knocking on and generally being sloppy with ball in hand, but he also showed his soft hands in a lovely off the ground clean-up job while under considerable pressure. A hugely experienced player who needs to help lead the side.

5. Paul O'Connell - 7
Certainly not a brilliant game from the captain and needs to be more vocal in settling the youngsters. Earls in particular, who he knows well, needed a word of encouragement. Lacked impact initially, but grew into the game and by the 60 minute mark was leading by example. The Lions needed to do the basics right and he helped with powerful direct running and a 'follow me' attitude. A nice break late in the game capped a decent performance.

6. Joe Worsley - 5
Relatively anonymous and didn't offer the destructive tackling he's known for. Went missing at the breakdown to some extent and didn't link well with the backs. That said, he didn't show some of the obvious nerves of his teammates and although he did nothing special, he didn't make any glaring errors either.

7. Martyn William - 6
A great late pass to put O'Gara in showed his quality as a link player, but for a player thought of as the northern hemisphere McCaw he failed to assert himself at the breakdown. The Lions were far too flaky in this area, and Williams needs to do more on the ground.

8. David Wallace - 5
A hard one to rate. Drafted in at short notice due to Andy Powell's hand injury he was more ambitious than his back-row colleagues but had far too many unforced errors. A willingness to run from the base was very positive, but he lost the ball forward on numerous occasions, and next to Keith Earls was the most error-prone player. Hasn't played for a few weeks and looked rusty. Excusable on his first game back due to the positivity he showed.

9. Mike Blair - 4
A weak performance from the Scottish captain. He allowed himself to be harassed at the scrum and his service was very poor at times. For such an experienced player he didn't offer the control he could have and looked nervous and rattled at times.

10. Ronan O'Gara - 8
Did what he does best, which is respond well to being rattled. Kept his head in a crisis, kicked all his goals (with what looked to be a slightly modified kicking style), pinned the Royal XV back with some fine tactical kicking and dealt well with some mediocre ball from Blair. An experienced Lion acting like one.

11. Shane Williams - 7
A willingness to attack is a given with speedy Shane, but he had a decent all-round game despite some errors and a real lack of spatial awareness during one move. Sparked a great counter attack that included every manner of passing the ball available and came out of the line well to stifle a dangerous attacking position for the Royal XV. Didn't look at his devestating best and missed a try he'd expect to finish in his sleep, but looked focused and assured like his Ospreys colleagues.

12. Jamie Roberts - 8
The Lions best performer in the first half. The centre offered direction and a target for support runners and despite his youth and inexperience reacted admirably to the challenge. An excellent touch-finder in the early exchanges showed a string to the bow that we've not witnessed before and his willingness to do the basics well when those around him were losing their heads was impressive. Great power and offloading and an excellent temperament. Has advanced his test credentials considerably.

13. Keith Earls - 3
The youngest member of the touring party at present, Earls looked like a player trying too hard. Clearly clouded by adrenaline and nerves, he had what is commonly called a 'mare'. What could have been a confidence boosting length of the field run in for a try begun a litany of errors after he setoff without first catching the pass. The Munster man is a geunine talent, and McGeechan and the coaching staff showed good man management in not over-reacting to his nervous display. A missed catch while under limited pressure pretty much gifted the Royal XV their initial scoring position, but he improved as the match went on and if he can calm the nerves he remains a useful tourist.

14. Tommy Bowe - 8
Another assured performer in the back three. He took his try well, showing great understanding with his Irish fly-half and was solid throughout. Great disruption work at a defensive ruck also stood out - willing to play the 'total rugby' the Lions will need to be successful in South Africa. Solid under the high ball and provided a calming influence.

15. Lee Byrne - 9
Talked up over the last 6 months as one of the best players in the world, Byrne showed exactly why. He was imperious under the high ball and simply oozed confidence. A more reassuring full back presence could hardly be wished for. An absolutely booming boot helped the Lions win a number of kicking duels and his running was also superb. One of the best chip kickers in the game, he produced an epic dink to dart in behind the Royal XV defensive line before volleying on the same foot, dribbling one final time, collecting, holding off two would be tacklers and finishing in range for an easy conversion. It was the Lions moment of the match, and the start of the turn around. A top-notch performance - Kearney will have to go some distance to dislodge Byrne's test jersey.

Replacements

Lee Mears - 6
Solid throwing and decent around the park, but a mistake in the Lions 22 could have cost them dear. He finds himself in line for a test jersey following Flannery's injury, but he must improve to be considered a definite.

Phil Vickery - 5
Hardly noticed in his short time on the pitch. Not enough action to really warrant a proper rating, hence the 5.

Alun-Wyn Jones - 7
Showed his fiercely competitive, combative nature to great effect. Lifted the team with his presence and took his try well under considerable pressure.

Jamie Heaslip - 6
Caught a few high balls and though he didn't have a huge impact, was generally pretty solid. Good work from a young and fairly inexperienced player.

Mike Phillips - 7
Offered a calming influence at 9 and looked composed and focused. Didn't have a huge amount to do, but played well, used his power to go close in the buildup to Jones' try and wasn't bullied in the same way as Blair.

Riki Flutey - 7
Looked impressive in his short time on the field. Running lines were good and he showed his considerable threat with ball in hand. He's a Lion now, and I'm proud to support him, but his heritage is unavoidable and he runs like a New Zealander, mazy, heads-up stuff - I'm glad he's on our side.

Stephen Jones - Unused