Australia v British & Irish Lions live: Hugo Keenan breaks Wallabies’ hearts in thrilling finale at raucous MCG
Hugo Keenan struck in the last minute to deny the Wallabies a famous win at the MCG with the Lions clinching the series win after an unforgettable Test match
The British and Irish Lions clinched a series win against Australia in a thrilling second Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Wallabies stormed out of the traps to seize a huge lead in their bid to level the series after going down 1-0 last week in Brisbane, but ultimately had their hearts broken by Hugo Keenan’s last-gasp try to earn a 29-26 win on the night and 2-0 series victory ahead of the third Test in Sydney next week.
Will Skelton’s imposing figure set the tone in a bruising first half at the MCG, with James Slipper, Jake Gordon and Tom Wright tries earning a deserved advantage for the Wallabies, who added plenty to their pack through the powerful Rob Valetini.
But Lions hopes were boosted by a quickfire double from Tom Curry and Huw Jones before the interval and Tadhg Beirne scored to set up a thrilling finale with Keenan’s late winner settling an iconic battle in front of nearly 100,000 fans at a raucous MCG. Follow all of the fallout, reaction and analysis from the second Test in Melbourne with our live blog below:
Australia 26-24 Lions
61 mins: Subs: Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn come on as the Lions prepare for a tense final quarter with the series on the line.
Try! Australia 26-24 Lions (Beirne)
59 mins: What a try and a huge moment for the Lions!
The Lions spread it wide with James Lowe powering past a tackle before offloading to his Ireland teammate, Tadhg Beirne.
Beirne then barrels through two defenders to score in the corner. Russell adds the conversion, cutting Australia’s lead to just two points.
Australia 26-17 Lions
58 mins: The Lions push forward as Aki takes the ball in midfield and powers straight through the Wallabies’ defence.
Genge follows with a sharp sidestep driving the Lions’ momentum into Australia’s 22.
Jac Morgan arrives
By Harry Latham-Coyle at the MCG:
The sight of Jac Morgan’s arrival is greeted with a huge roar by the Lions fans in attendance at the MCG, the flanker a popular figure among the many Welshmen and women here and plenty of those from the other constituent unions, too. He’s got a job to do here - Tom Curry, who he has replaced, has been immense in the tourists’ fightback, with his last act a vital retreating tackle. Ellis Genge and James Ryan are on, too.
Australia 26-17 Lions
55 mins: What a tackle! Gleeson and McReight break through the Lions’ defence setting up what looks like a sure try for Suaalii.
But Tom Curry produces a stunning try-saving tackle forcing a knock-on and a crucial turnover.
Penalty! Australia 26-17 Lions (Tom Lynagh)
53 mins: Australia extends their lead as Tom Lynagh calmly converts a penalty rewarding their early dominance in the second half.
Australia’s attack has evolved - after a straightforward first half, they’re now mixing in passes both inside and out forcing every defender to stay alert.
Australia 23-17 Lions
52 mins: Australia steps up the pressure as McDermott breaks through, only to be stopped by a crucial tap-tackle from Itoje.
Holding a penalty advantage the Wallabies test the Lions’ defence before the referee brings play back for the original penalty.
Australia 23-17 Lions
50 mins: The Lions look to clear from a scrum inside their 22, but Russell sends it out on the full gifting the Wallabies both territory and possession.
Australia 23-17 Lions
48 mins: Another key change for Australia as Will Skelton makes way for Jeremy Williams. With both Valetini and Skelton now off the Wallabies lose two of their main enforcers.
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