Australia vs British & Irish Lions live: Result and reaction after Wallabies triumph after lightning break in chaotic third Test in Sydney
The Lions could not complete a 3-0 clean sweep of the Wallabies after suffering defeat in a chaotic third Test in Sydney
The British and Irish Lions were denied a series whitewash by a spirited Australia in a chaotic third Test that was interrupted by a long lightning break in Sydney.
The Wallabies stormed out the traps and emerged from the suspension to clinch a 22-12 win at Accor Stadium after a performance packed with immense pride to avoid suffering a historic 3-0 whitewash.
The Lions remain 2-1 winners for the tour, but fell behind early thanks to Dylan Pietsch’s early try, while Tom Lynagh’s boot added three more points to confirm a deserved advantage at the break.
The feisty first half produced a chaotic, messy contest after heavy rainfall throughout the evening in Sydney, with Maro Itoje, Lynagh and Tommy Freeman all casualties after failing Head Injury Assessments.
A 30-minute break after lightning occurred in the vicinity of the stadium added to the chaotic Test. But the Wallabies emerged with Jorgensen and McDermott's tries, and Will Stuart’s last-minute score was not enough to leave a sour taste at the end of the tour for Andy Farrell’s men.
Relive all of the action ad follow all the reaction and analysis from rugby correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle at Accor Stadium in our live blog below:
Tim Horan reacts to Australia win over Lions
“It’ll do a lot for our game in Australia, there’s so much pride in the gold, I’ve not seen this much gold in a long time,” says Tim Horan.
“What Joe has done, last 12 months, is blood a lot of young players, starting to form a bit of a combination, they have to back up and play the world champions.
“We really needed that result tonight.”
Joe Schmidt on Nic White
“I'm pretty sentimental about him now,” Joe Schmidt says on Nic White.
“I look stupid with that moustache, that was for Whitey. It gets really tough, next Friday, we head to South Africa, they've earned the right to enjoy this evening. As disappointed as they are, they know they weren't far away."
Joe Schmidt reacts to consolation Australia win over Lions
“I’m just relieved, incredibly proud, we worked very hard to get that 8-0 lead, coming off lightning, it could’ve destabilised things, to stay in the game, we got a bit lucky.
“The way we stayed in the game was testament to the players’ character really, it wasn’t pretty, the strategy that was different, it was just their character.
“It was a difficult win, the way the players came through. I was delighted with the endeavour despite the conditions.”
Tim Horan on the priority for the Australia after beating Lions in third Test
"For the Wallabies fans, last three or four weeks, we need to get our hands on the Bledisloe Cup,” says the Aussie legend.
“That’s what the fans want, beat the All Blacks once, that’s momentum and it’s what we need.”
Warren Gatland on Owen Farrell
"He's such a competitor, he just wants to win, to see him with a smile on his face, coming to the end of his career, you want him to enjoy his rugby, being involved, the first person to win two Lions series, a great competitor and a great leader, very much like his old man, whatever he does, post-rugby, he'll be fantastic."
Dan Sheehan reacts to Lions series win
"It's gutting to be honest. The aim of the tour was a 3-0 victory but fair play to the Wallabies,” says the Irishman.
"What a series against Australia. Every game has been close. I have never experienced anything like that. We were loving it in the changing room and we thought we we were in a really good position.
"It is disappointing especially in front of the amount of people who have travelled here to support us.
"It's just not what we wanted tonight and it leaves a sour taste.
"We have already organised to come back in 12 years as a reunion, it's been a one of a kind journey for me."
Andy Farrell says Wallabies will be 'forced to be reckoned with' by World Cup
Andy Farrell said in his post-match press conference that he expects the Wallabies to go from strength to strength by the time of the World Cup in 2027.
“I said to Joe [Schmidt, Australia coach] before the game there on the pitch, that I think special things are going to happen for this team over the next 18 months,” he said.
“By the time the World Cup comes around, they'll be a force to be reckoned with, like everyone's seen in the past, they've got some special athletes and some special players, and that's no surprise to us after how they performed over the last couple of weeks.
“We all know how hard it is to be successful on the Lions tour against a good side like Australia, and they are a good side, and they proved that over the series.
“I mean, everyone has their ups and downs. I've looked at the progress over the last 18 months. It's been through the roof and you look at that side that's been out there over the last ... three weeks, they're a hell of a team.”
What next for the Wallabies?
Saturday, 16 August, 16:10 BST: South Africa v Australia
Saturday 23 August, 16:10 BST: South Africa v Australia
Saturday 6 September, 05:30 BST: Australia v Argentina
Saturday 13 September, 05:00 BST: Australia v Argentina
Saturday 27 September, 06:05 BST: New Zealand v Australia
Saturday 4 October, 10:45 BST: Australia v New Zealand
Nic White on his last Test game for Australia
"I am so happy that he got to finish his Test career like that,” says White.
“He is so important to our group, he keeps us accountable and he loves a beer. He is a great team-mate."
'Might take two beers' to be proud of tour - Andy Farrell
While the Lions celebrated the series victory, it was tinged with an element of regret as they missed out on the opportunity to record a whitewash.
“I suppose there is obviously going to be frustration there,” Farrell admitted. “We’ve said all along that we wanted to win every game, but the best team won on the night today. I just said to the lads, on reflection, it might take one, it might take two beers, but they will be unbelievably proud of what they’ve achieved throughout this tour.
“I suppose the legacy for us is in that changing room. The togetherness of not just the players but the whole group has been an absolute delight to work with.”
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