Hugo Keenan etched his name into the history of the Lions as Maro Itoje’s squad clinched the series before the final game. The Irish full-back scored a crucial try in the dying moments of the match at the MCG, securing a thrilling victory for the visitors at one of rugby’s iconic venues.
Following Keenan’s late try, there was controversy as the Wallabies disputed an alleged foul play by Jac Morgan on Carlo Tizzano, but referee Andrea Piardo dismissed their claims.
Keenan’s try propelled the Lions into the lead for the first time in a hard-fought match that tested the nerves of their fans, who can now travel to Sydney with the series in hand. The intense Test match showcased the enduring appeal of rugby union in Australia, with the Wallabies putting up a strong fight while the Lions managed to edge ahead in the end.
Amid a charged atmosphere at the MCG, the Australians initially dominated with a 23-5 lead, leaving the Lions struggling to keep up in the first 30 minutes of the game.
Despite arriving late at the stadium, the Wallabies showed up on the field from the outset, bolstered by the presence of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini in the pack. Skelton’s physicality and Valetini’s contributions helped the hosts gain momentum, leading to a tightly contested first half with the Lions staging a comeback through tries from Tom Curry and Huw Jones.
After a series of Australian tries, the Lions found themselves trailing, with Tommy Freeman receiving a yellow card, leaving the tourists at a numerical disadvantage.
The Australians capitalized on the Lions’ lapse in defense, scoring more tries through Jake Gordon and Tom Wright. However, the Lions rallied back with tries from Curry and Jones, exploiting the tiring Skelton and Valetini who were substituted early in the second half.
Despite a resilient performance from the Aussies, the Lions closed the gap with a late try from Tadhg Beirne, setting the stage for a thrilling finish with Finn Russell’s conversion narrowing the scoreline.
In a climactic moment, Keenan’s decisive try sealed the victory for the Lions, capping off an epic encounter that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams.