Andy Farrell’s ambition for the Lions to achieve a clean sweep against the Wallabies was thwarted in a stormy Sydney encounter, marking their first defeat in Australia. The match was suspended for over 35 minutes due to lightning strikes, with key players like Maro Itoje, Tommy Freeman, and James Ryan forced out early.
Despite gallant efforts by the Lions, they succumbed to a 2-3 try defeat, leaving their series sweep aspirations in ruins. The Wallabies capitalized on the weather disruption, leading 8-0 when play resumed.
Tadhg Beirne showcased his prowess as the standout Lions player in Australia, impressing with his versatility. Tom Curry’s relentless performance wasn’t enough to salvage the game as the Lions appeared fatigued at the final whistle.
Australian coach Joe Schmidt’s strategic missteps were evident, with his team lacking sufficient preparation before the series. The Wallabies’ dominance, particularly through Will Skelton’s impactful play, underscored their performance superiority.
Amidst challenging weather conditions, the Wallabies commanded the game, securing a 22-7 victory over a visibly drained Lions squad. Despite a late consolation score by Will Stuart, the Lions’ hopes of a series whitewash were dashed by the relentless Australian side.