The British & Irish Lions fell short in their quest to earn a first series whitewash victory since 1927 as they were beaten 22-12 by Australia in the final game of their tour.
A Dylan Pietsch try and a penalty by Tom Lynagh — who later had to be taken off after brutally colliding with the elbow of Tom Lynagh — saw the Wallabies take an 8-0 lead into half-time.
The half-time interval lasted significantly longer than expected due to thunder and lightning strikes close by. When the action finally restarted, Australia increased their lead as Max Jorgensen’s 54th-minute try was converted by Ben Donaldson.
The Lions hit back shortly after the hour-mark when Jac Morgan powered over to spark hope of a late turnaround. But that hope was extinguished when Tate McDermott put the game to bed with a third Australian try, with Will Stuart’s late score nothing more than a small consolation.
Mail Sport’s CHRIS FOY was at Sydney’s Accor Stadium to offer his expert analysis of the Lions’ performances in their series finale.
Australia beat the British & Irish Lions Saturday to deny the tourists a famous series whitewash
But the Lions still ended the series victorious, having won the previous two Tests Down Under
British & Irish Lions player ratings in third Test
Hugo Keenan 7
One of the Lions’ best performers on the night, after his match-winning try last week. Some of his handling in the wet conditions was utterly sublime.
Tommy Freeman 5
It wasn’t a night to be a winger desperately seeking space. He was well contained up until the point when he had to go off early with a broken nose.
Huw Jones 6
Far more involved in defence than he was in attack. Ended up on the wing and from Finn Russell’s cross-kick he couldn’t take a chip-and-chase chance.
Bundee Aki 4
Ireland centre ignited the late charge in Melbourne but here he was manhandled on the gainline and struggled more than most with handling the wet ball.
Blair Kinghorn 6
There were some eye-catching moments, notably when he demonstrated his aerial prowess, but the talented Scot was denied real openings out wide.
Finn Russell 5
Not an easy night for a playmaker behind a pack on the back foot. A few dazzling bits here and there, but some aimless kicking as he struggled for control.
Finn Russell (left) pictured being tackled by Fraser McReight at Sydney’s Accor Stadium
Bundee Aki had a match to forget in Sydney, having been much better in Melbourne last week
Jamison Gibson-Park 5.5
This was the sort of scenario where he often dictates terms and box-kicks did trouble Australia at times. Had to play slow and Lions attack stalled.
Andrew Porter 5
Didn’t last beyond the storm break after half-time, having had trouble against big Taniela Tupou in the scrum. Plenty of carrying, tackling effort as ever.
Dan Sheehan 4.5
Australians were outraged that he was not sanctioned for making contact with Tom Lynagh’s head at a ruck. Lineout service wobbled in the driving rain.
Tadhg Furlong 5
This was his ninth successive Lions start but it won’t live as long in his memory as so many others. Was unable to inspire set-piece parity, let alone command.
Maro Itoje 5
Captain didn’t even last half-an-hour as he was helped off for a head injury assessment and failed it, so had to stay off. Busy and prominent before going off.
James Ryan 5.5
Had put his body on the line with some committed defensive work in the first half, before he was stretchered off after Will Skelton’s knee knocked him out.
Tadhg Furlong, pictured (left) tacking Nic White, made his ninth consecutive start for the Lions
Maro Itoje lasted less than 30 minutes of the match but later returned to the pitch to celebrate
Tadhg Beirne 6
Once again, he was one of the leading Lions, as he kept competing in the air and over the ball, while also showing up as a carrying option in the wider channels.
Tom Curry 6.5
How on earth he managed to keep playing until the 68th minute is a remarkable feat in itself given the punishment he took. Another big shift by the hit-man.
Jack Conan 5
This was a game when the Lions needed real route-one impetus. The No 8 is supposed to lead the charge, but he couldn’t make that mark. Busy in defence.
Replacements
O Chessum for Itoje, 27 – Direct and abrasive but limited impact. 5.
O Farrell for Freeman, 37 – Some nice touches but handling lapses too. 5.
J Morgan for Ryan, 42 – Won a jackal turnover and scored a try. 6.5.
E Genge for Porter, 42 – Brought real carrying force off the bench. 6.
R Kelleher for Sheehan, 57 – Was sin-binned in the closing stages. 4.
B Earl for Conan, 62.
Sheehan for Curry, 68.
A Mitchell for Gibson-Park, 71.
