The British and Irish Lions completed a late surge to claim a dramatic series victory over Australia in Melbourne.
After suffering a defeat in last weekend’s first Test, Australia wasted little time in seizing the initiative against Andy Farrell’s side in Saturday’s clash.
The hosts took a commanding lead in the Victorian capital and scored 17 points without reply before the Lions responded in equally emphatic fashion with tries from Tom Curry and Huw Jones.
As the dust settled at the end of the opening 40 minutes Australia maintained a narrowed lead in one of the highest scoring Lions Test first-halves in history.
The Lions’ fightback continued after the restart with Tadhg Beirne crossing on the hour mark and culminated in Hugo Keenan’s late winner.
Mail Sport’s CHRIS FOY and NIK SIMON were on hand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to offer their expert analysis of both teams’ performances.
Hugo Keenan’s last-minute try gave the British and Irish Lions a series victory in Melbourne
The hosts enjoyed an impressive start and took a commanding lead with tries from Jake Slipper, Jake Gordon(pictured) and Tom Wright
But Andy Farrell’s side battled back to claim an emphatic series victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
BRITISH & IRISH LIONS
Hugo Keenan – 7
What a dramatic twist, that it was his try which clinched the series win, after the Irish full-back had some wobbles earlier in the game but delivered at the death.
Tommy Freeman – 6
Sin-binned after a series of team offences and while he was off, the Wallabies surged ahead. No eye-catching moments, not much space, but battled away.
Huw Jones – 6.5
During the first half when the Lions were in turmoil, he appeared all at sea, but he pulled himself together to claim a crucial try and showed some nice touches.
Bundee Aki – 7
It was his rampaging break which really ignited the Lions’ late assault after a period when they were flat again. Scrapped for the ball and broke the gainline.
James Lowe – 5
He can savour the fact that, amid a collapse in his performance standards, he at least conjured a back-hand off-load assist for a try. Other than that, not great.
With his last-minute series-winning try Hugo Keenan wrote his name in the history books
Bundee Aki’s energy as the game progressed inspired the tourists to victory in Melbourne
James Lowe didn’t have his finest performance but provided an assist for Tadhg Beirne
Finn Russell – 6
There were times when he was authoritative, as he was seven days earlier, but there were also moments when he appeared frantic and flustered. Never hid.
Jamison Gibson-Park – 7
He is so often acclaimed as a master controller but there were varied kicks and passed plus missed tackles, but he was one who lifted at the end.
Andrew Porter – 6.5
He was brought into the starting XV to bolster the set-piece effort and he did what was required, as the Lions pack produced a series of dominant drives.
Dan Sheehan – 8
Touched down as he so often does for Leinster and Ireland, lineout throwing was ‘on point’, but what really stood out was the way he went hunting in defence.
Tadhg Furlong – 7
His primary task is to effectively anchor the scrum and the veteran tighthead did that superbly as the Lions had a clear advantage. A no-frills, grafting shift.
Maro Itoje (capt) – 8
Triumphant captain had a mixed bag of a first half and conceded penalties, but as the game wore on and he grew and by the end he was a colossal inspiration.
Ollie Chessum – 6
Had big boots to fill, having been brought in to replace the injured Joe McCarthy and the England lock delivered a solid, busy, workmanlike performance.
After a difficult opening half Maro Itoje was at his talismanic best as the Lions completed their comeback
Tadhg Beirne’s impressive form in the series Down Under continued as he drove the Lions forward
Tadhg Beirne – 8
The stand-out hero of the first Test win was effective at the breakdown again and he became prominent in the second half with a try and power carrying.
Tom Curry – 7.5
His final act turned out to be a vital tackle on Suaalii to prevent a certain try. Not quite as influential as he was in Brisbane but took his try well and kept making hits. 7.5.
Jack Conan – 6
Didn’t make a load of metres, but the No 8 never stopped charging with the ball into the heart of the Wallaby defence and making tackles. A few errors too.
Replacements
E Genge for Porter, 54 – 6
England prop produced some trademark blasts.
J Ryan for Chessum, 54 – 7
Irishman’s best display of a hit-and-miss tour.
J Morgan for Curry, 54 – 6
Roared on to field and threw himself around.
B Kinghorn for Jones, 60 – 6.5
Some late gallops showed his running threat.
O Farrell for Lowe, 60 – 6
Brought tactical clarity and trademark intensity.
R Kelleher for Sheehan, 64.
W Stuart for Furlong, 64.
AUSTRALIA
Tom Wright – 8
His brilliant 50:22 kick kept Australia on the front foot in the first half and then he finished off Joseph Suaalii’s brilliant footwork to score.
Max Jorgensen – 7
Could perhaps have done better to stop Huw Jones from crossing but played a key part in his team pushing the Lions so close.
Joseph Suaalii – 7
Quiet series opener but he showed his magic to set-up Wright. In that one moment alone he showed how good he is.
Len Ikitau – 6
Did well in the build-up to his team’s first try but missed key tackle. He’s short and squat, but has plenty of power and is a nice foil for Suaalii.
Harry Potter – 5
Former Leicester wing limped off in the opening quarter due to injury. His departure exposed Australia’s 6:2 bench split but Tate McDermott impressed.
Harry Potter’s evening was cut short after he limped off injured during the opening quarter
After a poor showing last week Tom Lynagh was back to his best in the Victorian capital
Tom Lynagh – 7
Struggled last week but two early penalties settled his nerves and allowed him to flourish from then on. Unlucky to be on losing team.
Jake Gordon – 7.5
Kicking much improved and he was helped by playing behind a pack that had more go forward. Smart dummy and run for try.
James Slipper – 6
Veteran prop added a try against the Lions to a long and decorated career. Came under pressure at the scrum and replaced at half time.
Dave Porecki – 6.5
Couple of early innovative line-out throws and also put himself about physically.
Allan Alaalatoa – 6
His weathered face showed the scars of battle. Australia’s scrum struggles were summed up by he and Slipper not appearing for second half.
Nick Frost – 6
Failed to take Finn Russell’s kick-off. Well outshone by his lock partner and had his hands full with Maro Itoje.
Will Skelton – 9
Immense. Back from injury to bring ballast to the Wallaby pack and immediately carried into Maro Itoje. His bruising physicality totally transformed Australia and it was a shame for them he couldn’t go the distance.
Rob Valetini – 8
Like Skelton, his return was key and he made a significant impact with his carrying. He was instrumental but departed early.
Will Skelton’s return from injury proved to have a transformative effect for the Wallabies
Another returning figure, Rob Valetini was at the heart of the hosts success in the early going
Fraser McReight – 6
He was outshone by Valetini, but that was no disgrace. Provided a nice foil to his fellow flanker’s power and outlasted him too.
Harry Wilson – 7
Australia’s captain will be gutted. Calm leadership and his team were much improved but they were still beaten at the death.
Replacements
Tate McDermott 6.5 (for Potter 20)
Tom Robertson 5.5 (for Alaalatoa 41)
Langi Gleeson 6 (for Valetini 41)
Angus Bell 7 (for Slipper 41)
Jeremy Williams 6.5 (for Skelton 48)
Billy Pollard 7 (for Porecki 57)
Carlo Tizzano 7 (for McReight 61)
