The British and Irish Lions’ ambition to achieve an undefeated tour of Australia was thwarted at the concluding stage, as Australia averted a series sweep by securing a spirited 22-12 triumph in Sydney.
Touchdowns from wingers Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen, accompanied by a try from replacement scrum-half Tate McDermott, led to the Lions’ initial setback on Australian soil. They were distinctly outperformed before a crowd of 80,312 at Accor Stadium.
In an evening where scoring opportunities were rare due to challenging weather, the Wallabies consistently accumulated points while exhibiting a stronger desire for the contest, with Nic White and Will Skelton acting as primary instigators.
The match experienced a temporary halt in the early stages of the second half because of surrounding lightning, resulting in a 37-minute interruption. Upon resumption, Australia persisted in pushing the Lions out of contention.
The intense battle exacted a toll on both teams, leading to three unsuccessful Head Injury Assessments (HIAs) and the departure of James Ryan after he was rendered unconscious while attempting a tackle on Skelton.
Fixture
British & Irish Lions
Australia
British & Irish Lions
Having already secured the series with a 29-26 victory in Melbourne the previous Saturday, the Lions were aiming for a different conclusion to their tour. Their ambition was to achieve the clean sweep required to cement their legacy in the annals of rugby history.
From the moment winger Pietsch scored after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s run drew in Tommy Freeman, Australia established control.
The Lions struggled to penetrate during a rare visit to the 22-meter area, as Pietsch’s powerful hit left its mark on Freeman, and even energetic flankers Tom Curry and Tadhg Beirne faced an uphill battle.
Australia secured a scrum penalty and then displayed their eagerness for confrontation during an extended altercation initiated by Skelton.
Finn Russell mishandled a straightforward pass, and the Lions’ troubles worsened when captain Maro Itoje and winger Freeman underwent HIAs, with the latter resulting in Owen Farrell’s substitution.
Tom Lynagh converted a penalty, extending Australia’s lead to eight points, but the Australian fly-half became the third player to have his match cut short by concussion following a tackle by Dan Sheehan.
Sheehan had assumed the Lions’ captaincy and was immediately thrust into the thick of the action when Ryan’s head collided with Skelton’s knee, sparking another confrontation involving White and Farrell.
Referee Nika Amashukeli cautioned both captains that the subsequent infraction would result in a yellow card. As Ryan was escorted from the field, the players retreated to the locker rooms for their personal safety due to the inclement weather.
Upon resumption of play, Harry Wilson encountered a resolute defense, and Curry forced a penalty, offering promising signs for the Lions, which were swiftly overshadowed by conceding a second try.
Jorgensen’s finish demonstrated awareness, quick reactions, and pace, capitalizing on a Lions attack that faltered due to a misunderstanding between Bundee Aki and Sheehan.
The tourists registered their first score when Jac Morgan crossed the try line in the 61st minute after a series of pick-and-go plays. However, the Welsh flanker was then penalized for a high tackle near the try line.
Australia seized the opportunity to amplify the pressure, and shortly after Ronan Kelleher received a yellow card for offside, they scored through Tate McDermott from close range, ensuring their victory before Will Stuart added a late consolation try for the Lions.
