The Wallabies are likely to lament their slow start in Brisbane following a late surge against the British and Irish Lions. Australia’s gutsy 22-12 victory in Sydney brought an end to the Lions’ hopes of a 3-0 Test series sweep, solidifying Australia’s place among the top touring teams.
Ultimately, there was little separating the two sides throughout the series. In what was one of the closest contests in the history of the Lions, Australia managed to lead the aggregate score 68-67 across the three Tests, just shy of a drawn series seen in 1955 and 2017. The closest previous margins were six-point differences during the 1971 and 1993 tours of New Zealand.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt expressed immense pride and relief after the match, acknowledging the challenging conditions, including a stoppage due to nearby lightning. “We led 8-0 when we had to pause for lightning; remaining calm and scoring next was crucial,” he said, highlighting the team’s collective effort in overcoming pressure and securing critical turnovers.
The match was punctuated by a lengthy weather delay and heavy rain, with Morgan Turinui calling it “one of the craziest nights we’ve ever seen.” Former Lions halfback Ben Youngs suggested in the past that Lions should consider touring South Africa instead of Australia, but Turinui remarked that the Wallabies have regained respect for their jersey through their performance.
Tom Hooper, stepping in for the injured Rob Valetini, was awarded man of the match. Expressing his gratitude for the support, Hooper stated, “To fill the stands all three weeks has been amazing. It’s a baby step, but a step in the right direction.”
The Australian side saw tries from Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen, and Tate McDermott, with Tom Lynagh contributing a penalty and Ben Donaldson successfully converting two tries. The Lions scored through Jac Morgan and Will Stuart, with Finn Russell converting once.
Will Skelton, who missed the opening defeat due to injury, was pivotal in the latter Tests, with Sonny Bill Williams praising his impact. “The dominance he brings can be like men against boys at times, benefiting the entire team,” said Williams, further highlighting how Skelton’s presence helped elevate the performance of younger players.
Overall, this series has not only showcased the competitive spirit between the Wallabies and the Lions but also marked an important chapter in Australian rugby, reaffirming their standing on the international stage as they look forward to future challenges.