Tom Croft and Geoff Parling scored their first tries of the tour as the British & Irish Lions beat Super 15 side Western Force 69-17 in Perth on Wednesday afternoon.

Croft scored the Lions third try of the game right on the stroke of half-time to send the tourists in 27-3 ahead at the break.

Parling, who made a good impression off the bench, dived over from close range for the Lions ninth and final try to set the seal on a convincing opening win in Australia.

There were also tries for Jonny Sexton, match captain Brian O’Driscoll (2), Jamie Heaslip, Mako Vunipola, Tommy Bowe and Owen Farrell.

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny enjoyed an excellent game with the boot, landing 11 kicks from 11 attempts including a series of touchline conversions.

Croft was one of three Tigers players to start the game, alongside Manu Tuilagi and Dan Cole. They were joined in the second half by Parling, Ben Youngs and Tom Youngs who all got game time from the bench.

The Lions continue their tour against Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday morning.