!Lions Comeback! They Beat Wallabies in Epic Final and Win the Series

An incredible test match, defined by Irishman Hugo Keenan with a blow to the heart of Australian rugby. The British and Irish Lions secured their first series victory since 2013, overcoming a 23-5 deficit in the first half to beat the Wallabies 29-26 in front of 90,307 spectators at the MCG. The Australian fans will remember tonight with pain, while for the red supporters it was pure ecstasy. Keenan culminated an exciting final offensive by the Lions, which extended for 12 phases, surpassing Len Ikitau and scoring the decisive try with 50 seconds left to play. However, the drama was quick to arrive, with officials reviewing a possible illegal contact with the head on Wallabies substitute Carlo Tizzano. Italian referee Andrea Piardi kept calm and decided, along with his colleagues, that Jac Morgan’s play was legal.

29-26, defined series. For Australia, the end was even more painful. Coach Joe Schmidt, present at the MCG, commented on the incident:

“You can’t hit someone above the shoulders and there’s no grip with the left arm, the hand is on the ground, that’s what we’ve seen and we’ve reviewed several replays from different angles. And so it is, we have to accept it”.

Joe Schmidt

Despite the final drama, the match lived up to the occasion and the large crowd that filled the largest stadium in Australian sport. The fans of both teams enjoyed an electrifying match, with an ending that will be difficult to forget for the Wallabies. Australia, which came to have a 23-5 lead, could not maintain it. They only managed to add three more points after minute 29, with two missed conversions by Tom Lynagh that proved crucial. In his second start, Lynagh had a difficult night, including a knock-on that allowed the Lions to get back into the game. The Lions’ determination and execution were key, surpassing the Wallabies with five tries against three and looking more threatening in attack for much of the match. The Lions captain, Maro Itoje, was the man of the match, making 20 tackles and winning an important penalty. He was supported by Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan. The front row, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong, gave their all before being substituted.

The Lions’ replacements dominated the scrum in the second half. Andy Farrell’s team became more dominant as the match progressed, with their attacking line opening up the Wallabies regularly. Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, Tommy Freeman and Keenan had standout moments, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau, of the Wallabies, were exposed in defense. Ikitau’s miss on James Lowe, which allowed Beirne to score the Lions’ fourth try, was significant. Australia will not enjoy the replay of that play. The first half was exciting, with Australia taking an initial lead thanks to Lynagh’s kicks. The Lions responded with a try by Sheehan. Australia regained control with tries from Slipper and Gordon, and another from Wright. Australian fans celebrated, but the atmosphere quickly changed when Lynagh made a mistake.

Tom Curry reduced the distance and then Huw Jones scored for the Lions, changing the course of the match. The Lions scored two more tries in the second half, including Keenan’s, while Australia only managed a Lynagh penalty.

The series moves to Sydney, where Australia will play for pride and seek momentum for the Rugby Championship. The Lions will celebrate their victory and look to complete the sweep in Australia. The Wallabies reflected everyone’s disappointment at the MCG. They had a great first half, but couldn’t hold the lead, allowing the Lions to dramatically take the victory. Lions fans celebrated, ready to continue the party in Sydney, without the pressure of knowing that the series was at stake. Itoje, Farrell and the rest of the Lions have made rugby history.