Rugby Union | Australia 26 - 29 British and Irish Lions
An historic win for the British and Irish Lions against Australia
Hugo Keenan’s last-gasp try secured a dramatic series win for the British and Irish Lions in a pulsating Test match against Australia in Melbourne.
In front of a crowd of more than 90,000 people, the tension was relentless throughout a contest destined to be remembered as one of the greats. Even Keenan’s decisive score was followed by an agonising wait for the television match official’s verdict. Jac Morgan’s intervention at the breakdown was ruled legal and the try stood, sparking wild celebrations.
Remarkably, the Lions had trailed 23-5 after a breathless opening spell dominated by a ferocious Australian side led by Rob Valetini and Will Skelton. The hosts ran riot, with James Slipper, Jake Gordon and Tom Wright all crossing in a frenetic first half, while Tom Lynagh added early penalties. Gordon and Wright struck while Tommy Freeman was in the bin, as the Lions appeared on the ropes.
Dan Sheehan’s early effort was followed by crucial scores from Tom Curry and Huw Jones before the break, helping cut the deficit to six after a half featuring six tries and relentless intensity.
Though the second period delivered fewer points, it never lost its edge. Lynagh extended the Wallabies’ lead to 26-17 with a penalty before Tadhg Beirne’s finish and Finn Russell’s conversion reduced the gap to two.
Keenan’s late intervention completed the turnaround, giving the Lions their first 2-0 series lead since 1997 and capping a memorable night in Melbourne.
The players involved
Australia: Wright; Jorgensen, Suaalii, Ikitau, Potter; Lynagh, Gordon; Slipper, Porecki, Alaalatoa, Frost, Skelton, Valetini, McReight, Wilson.
Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Williams, Gleeson, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson.
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British and Irish Lions: Keenan; Freeman, Jones, Aki, Lowe; Russell, Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Itoje, Chessum, Beirne, Curry, Conan.
Replacements: Kelleher, Genge, Stuart, Ryan, Morgan, Mitchell, Farrell, Kinghorn.
Best reaction
Jamie B, a Lions fan, told us: "Great Lions' fightback. Credit Australia for making it a proper test match. However, the Australian players were poor at the end, trying to fake head contact from a perfectly legal clear-out."
Steve, another fan, added: "The game was amazing, and Australia showed significant improvement in their performance. The Lions also demonstrated great character."
Gerald, an Australian currently living in the UK, gave his thoughts: "Aussie here. I'm very proud of our boys for the fight they brought to the game; they were a completely different team from last week."
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