Jamie Peacock hands off Australia's Willie Mason during GB's win

Written off beforehand as Tri-Nations no-hopers, the Lions battled their way to a bruising 23-12 upset in Sydney.

"The Lions withstood everything the Kangaroos could throw at them - including a rampant Willie Mason," reported the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Sydney Telegraph praised Great Britain, admitting they had "crushed Australia's aura of invincibility."

The Lions emerged from a week of criticism after losing their opening match in New Zealand to outscore the Kangaroos by four tries to two.

And it leaves them eyeing a place in the final on 25 November, providing they can overcome New Zealand next week in Wellington.

The Herald described Australia as "strangely off-kilter throughout the opening half".

The Telegraph praised the tourists for standing up to be counted in the face some ferocious Australian tackling.

"Great Britain won the battle that mattered, shocking Australia in a spirited and at times spiteful Test match.

"The British performance has breathed life into the Tri-Nations."

Even Australia coach Ricky Stuart was willing to concede some guarded praise for the victors.

He said: "There were some opportunities that went by the wayside for us.

"But the Pommies scrambled well and that's what you get when you've got that kind of attitude in defence when you're scrambling.

"They just outplayed us. We didn't build enough pressure to put on them. They were better than us.