Force rout sees odds shorten for Lions clean sweep

The odds on the British and Irish Lions achieving a series whitewash over Australia have been slashed after another convincing tour win over Western Force.

Brian O’Driscoll led by example with two tries, while Jonny Sexton, Tom Croft, Jamie Heaslip, Mako Vunipola, Tommy Bowe, Owen Farrell and Geoff Parling all crossed the line on the way to a 69-17 rout.

First-half scores from Sexton, O’Driscoll and Croft ensured the tourists went into the break with a 27-3 lead, and the Lions went from strength to strength in the second period, breaking down the little resistance offered by the Force to extend their tour run to 2-0.

Leigh Halfpenny also put in an unerring kicking display in Perth helping himself to a 100 per cent record with nine conversions and two penalties.

Next up for the Lions are the Queensland Reds in Brisbane and the gulf in class means Warren Gatland’s men should pick up yet more momentum going into the first Test.

Such was the convincing manner of the Force win that Ladbrokes has now slashed the odds on the Lions securing a series whitewash over Australia from 9/2 to 7/2.

Cian Healy could well have seen his tour come to a premature end after being stretchered off with an ankle injury in Perth and England flanker Croft also needed treatment after a clash of heads, but in the two tour games so far the Lions have shown that they have more than enough strength in depth to take the fight to the Aussies.

For a limited time the bookmaker is also offering to double its series betting odds if the Lions remain undefeated for the entire tour.

The Lions are now priced at 4/7 to win the series, while Australia are priced at 6/4 and the draw offers a £210 return from a £10 stake.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing