Online Reporter
The British and Irish Lions yesterday staged a stunning “fairytale” comeback from an 18-point deficit with a last-gasp try to edge Australia 29-26 and seal the three-match series with a game to go.
In a rousing performance before 90 307 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the tourists responded spectacularly after slumping 23-5 down with Hugo Keenan’s 79th-minute try claiming a famous win.
“This is fairytale stuff. It’s what we have dreamed of, dreams do come true,” Lions head coach Andy Farrell said. To come to the MCG and roll against the punches in the first-half, they (Wallabies) certainly turned up. To stay in the fight until the death and back ourselves. We were delighted with that . . . it’s pretty special.”
It was a sensational reply after being stunned by three tries in eight first-half minutes from Australia’s James Slipper, Jake Gordon and Tom Wright.
The wounded Lions clawed back to be 23-17 behind at the break, then dealt a crushing blow with Keenan’s match-winning heroics, with the try awarded despite Australia’s protest of a high clean-out in the lead-up.
“Players make errors, match officials make errors,” said Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt of the decision to let the try stand. Our perspective is we felt it was a decision that doesn’t really live up to the big player safety push that they are always talking about.”
It is the first time since 1997 that the Lions have wrapped up a test series with a game to spare after winning in Brisbane 27-19, and not since 1966 have they managed the feat against Australia. — AFP
