Australia's greater sense of unity proves decisive

It was a remarkable outcome, given the Wallabies' low-key start to the series when the Lions were rampant

So it all came down to the last pass, in the last seconds of the last Test. And somehow a desperate Australia managed to snuff out the Lions' last lingering hopes of victory and a pulsating series went to the home side.

It was certainly not optimism with which the Lions entered the third and deciding Test. It really looked as though they could prevail. The strength in depth of the home nations' squad allowed them to absorb an injury list inevitable in tours of this intensity. So players of the calibre of Martin Corry and Matt Dawson were able to be brought in, although for this Test the irrepressible Austin Healey had to yield to his injury. However, the playmaker and place-kicker, Jonny Wilkinson, rose from his injury bed to improve morale and expectation. Australia are not so blessed in squad terms, but the loss of David Giffin allowed a new cap, Justin Harrison, to rise – literally – to the occasion. At fly-half Elton Flatley was hard-working, but no substitute for the skilful Steve Larkham, who had finally succumbed to an accumulation of blows.

As expected the game was played with fearsome intensity. Flatley was welcomed with an arm tackle from Jonny Wilkinson, which was fortunately unseen by the officials. However, a knee in the back by Danny Grewcock was spotted and was rightly penalised and accompanied by a warning. Both were serious fouls, but the only yellow card was reserved for a high tackle by Daniel Herbert as Brian O'Driscoll jinked back inside. This apart the exchanges were very lively, but usually fair.

Both sides struggled to establish continuity. As expected, primary possession from the set-piece was better this time for the Lions, although the line-outs took a while to settle down under pressure, and the 6ft 8in Harrison made his mark, together with John Eales. The banker throw to Martin Johnson was usually available for the Lions and indeed was even encouraged by Australia, no doubt feeling that ball to the front of the line is more easily contained. This was an interesting, if sometimes self-defeating tactic, since the Lions catch-and-drive off Johnson had caused problems to the Wallabies all series, let alone in this decider.

When Australia pulled down the resultant drives they were penalised, allowing kicks at goal or downfield.

As anticipated tactically, the Lions, after last week's disappointment, sought to play more for territory, for field position from which to attack and accumulate points. To this end the line-out drives worked well. However the other route downfield was tactical kicking and this was not so effective . Too often the kicking was done in hope and with little or no pressure on the receiver. Here the Wallabies' full-back, Matt Burke, back to his best, returned the ball to the opposition half. With the ball kicked away almost 20 times the tactic was overdone and showed a poor return at the expense of the vibrant power-and-width handling game previously employed.

For this reason the Lions' potential match-winners, O'Driscoll and company, were rarely seen. Yet when they did get their hands on the ball the threat was there to see. Indeed for the second of two well-worked tries they pulled the class Australian defence in all directions before David, aka Jonny Wilkinson, jinked past the Goliath, Toutai Kefu, to score.

In defence the Lions were again well organised and, importantly, contesting the key area of loose ball in numbers. However the Australians, though lacking the Lions' intuitive skills, were accumulating points. And, crucially, there was one spell of 15 minutes towards the end when they controlled the ball, winning the game, while denying their opponents any scoring opportunity.

So the Wallabies have won this riveting series. They are held together by their teamwork and a playing system which allows little slack play. They play integrated, controlled rugby, with each player knowing his role. Their team composition may have changed, but they showed all the organisation and the will to win of World Cup holders. It was a remarkable outcome, given their low-key start to the series when the Lions were rampant in their superiority.

On reflection, the Lions should have secured the series in the first half of the second Test, when, following their emphatic win in the first, they again took control. However, scoring chances went begging and the lead was only 11-5 at half- time. What happened next is well documented. Joe Roff's tries kick-started Australia and fuelled their belief. The pendulum had swung.

Australia may be a team in transformation, but the coach, Rod Maqueen, has cleverly fused the experience of men like George Gregan, Burke, Eales and Michael Foley with the skills of newcomers like George Smith and Harrison.

As for the Lions, tensions in the party did clearly lead to rifts in the camp. The initial challenge for any Lions party is to create unity from the four home unions' differing cultures, and this time there was a New Zealand coach to add to the equation. Graham Henry and his back-room team attempted to forge the disparate elements into one group, but this is not an easy task when you have so many rugby egos in one basket. The problem is exacerbated with the selection of the midweek side, who can be made to feel like second-class citizens unless they are managed sympathetically.

However, the Lions have performed well. On the field of play the differences with management have been set aside under the leadership of Johnson – not forgetting Wood's contribution in this area – in deference to the unique cause that is the Lions. This was a very strong squad, who showed the advances being made by the home unions in the professional era. England, not least, are on a high, with talented players being developed for the international scene in the Zurich Premiership. This highlights the importance of the proposed Celtic League in providing more high-level matches in which the undoubted ability of the Welsh, Irish and Scots players can develop. As seen on this fascinating tour, the Howleys, Quinnells, O'Driscolls, Woods and Smiths can compete with anyone.

This Lions series has done a great deal for the game of rugby union worldwide. It has been compelling and there will be a void in our lives next week.