Ho Hum. At the end of what promised to be a pulsating British and Irish Lions tour, the end was quite underwhelming for Andy Farrell’s tourists.

As one British scribe put it afterwards: The Lions were never as good as they promised to be, and Australia was never as bad as the Northern Hemisphere expected.

So what do we make of the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour and where will it fit in among the folklore of Lions tales that litter our rich rugby history.

Well, the first is that it just highlighted what we were robbed of in 2021 when Covid gave us the most unsatisfying of tours.

Having been on two Lions tours as a journalist, 2021 was a soulless equivalent, which was taken up way too much by Covid tests, quarantines and empty stadiums. It was a travesty. An insult to the Lions legacy and hopefully rugby bosses will learn that if ever a similar situation occurs, they rather postpone than make us endure a similar tour.

FANS MAKE LIONS TOURS

Lions tours are built around travelling fans, the intermingling of cultures and local businesses benefitting from the travelling hordes. Looking at the build up to these tests in Australia, it was clear that this was the biggest successes and while those in charge will continue to look for ways for the “brand” to make more money - like toying with a tour to France - they risk losing the entire aura of the brand if they cheapen it too much. 

But back to the rugby. From a South African point of view, the end result of the tour is simple. Australian rugby needed a mediocre Lions outfit and they got that.

After all, wasn’t this supposed to be the team that said they were trying to emulate the class of 74 and be the best ever?

Forgetting that they “started” their tour with a loss to Argentina in Dublin, the mediocre weekday opposition failed to inspire the team and thoughts that they were anywhere near the 74 side were very misguided.

We’re so used to our colleagues up north singing the praises of teams that are never nearly as good as they give them credit for. But some of the praise was overboard on this tour.

Sure they were expected to win 3-0 and they didn’t and there is an argument that after winning the second test, coming back from 20 points down they were never going to be the same side in the third game.

We saw it in 2009, where the third test was a damp squib after the Boks gloriously won that second test at Loftus through a Morne Steyn bomb from 50 metres out. Sometimes teams are just deflated and the energy is gone.

HOW GOOD WERE THE LIONS REALLY?

But just how good were these Lions tourists? Well, if you’re Australian, you can argue that had they had Will Skelton in the first test, it would have been a different test series.

Perhaps that is a bit overboard, and simplifies it just a bit too much, but Australia really missed a trick at not having an extra game or two as preparation before the test series.

The Lions caught them cold in the first half of the first test and set up the series victory with 40 minutes of clinical rugby. But from there on, the rugby dished out by the Lions in the tests was mediocre at best.

Australia should never have lost from 20 points up, but to describe that as one of the greatest tests ever is a bit far. A test series that hung on one decision at the breakdown in the second test was a good watch, but nowhere near the 2009 Loftus test.

That remains the most brutal, most absorbing game of rugby I’ve had the privilege to watch live, and it will take something to top that.

From the Australian point of view, these “all-conquering” Lions were tame at best. Joe Schmidt out-manouvered Andy Farrell in terms of tactics and finished a lot stronger, and Australian rugby got a lot of pride back.

BOOST FOR WALLABIES FOR RUGBY CHAMPS

What this means for the Rugby Championship remains to be seen, but a mediocre Lions team was what Australia needed for the next few months, and especially for their trip to face the Springboks.

They aren’t world beaters by any means, but have shown themselves to be a clever side that plays to their strengths, and can adapt pretty quickly when against the wall.

The Bok management will have taken notice, and will prepare accordingly. They won’t be caught cold.

Australia’s resurgence has ensured the World Champions won’t just look ahead to the big showdown with the All Blacks in New Zealand. They will know they need to be well prepared for the Johannesburg and Cape Town contests.

In the end the tour delivered what we thought it would. But if you look at it from a Northern Hemisphere point of view, there will be disappointment, and a sense that they never delivered what they promised.

But on the other end, that mediocrity was just what Australian rugby wanted, and relished when it came.

British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan was cited Sunday for foul play over an incident in the third test against Australia that flattened Wallabies playmaker Tom Lynagh.

The Irish hooker charged into the breakdown during the first half of the clash in Sydney that the hosts won 22-12, appearing to elbow Lynagh in the head.

It was missed by the referee and television match official (TMO), despite Lynagh leaving the field for a head injury assessment which he failed.

But World Rugby took note.

"British and Irish Lions player Dan Sheehan will have a citing complaint reviewed by an Independent Foul Play Review Committee after being cited by the independent citing commissioner Adrien Menez for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20 (a)," it said in a statement.

The case was due to be considered later Sunday.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt admitted he too missed the incident when asked about it immediately after the match.

"We didn't see Tom's incident, and it was probably a little bit later that we got a glimpse of it, and that's all I've seen so far," he said.

"There's always a difficulty for a TMO. He's watching the main TV broadcast, and then if he doesn't pick it up there, then he doesn't access the other angles because everything's happening so quickly."

The Sydney test was played in atrocious weather, with plenty of other collateral damage.

Lions skipper Maro Itoje also failed a concussion test while Lions lock James Ryan was taken off after being knocked out while making a tackle.

British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell says their gruelling Australian tour was "an absolute delight" despite failing to secure a whitewash, and left the door open to leading them again in 2029 against the All Blacks.

Despite a shock warm-up defeat to Argentina in Dublin, the cream of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales arrived in Perth six weeks ago as red-hot favourites against a Wallabies team that had slumped to eighth in the world.

After winning their opening five tour games then overpowering the hosts 27-19 in the first test at Brisbane, a first unbeaten series since 1974 was on the cards.

But a resilient Wallabies, still rebuilding after a horror 2023 World Cup, proved the doubters wrong to rally impressively and narrowly lose the second test 29-26 in Melbourne, before stunning the Lions 22-12 in Sydney on Saturday.

Farrell said it was frustrating to lose at a rain-soaked and lightning-affected Stadium Australia, denying them a place in the pantheon of Lions greats.

But he said the tour as a whole was a big success, with bumper crowds, a positive team vibe under skipper Maro Itoje and memories "that will stay with us forever".

"I have said to the lads that on reflection it might take one or two beers, but they will be unbelievably proud of what they achieved throughout this tour," he told reporters.

"We all know how hard it is to be successful on a Lions tour against a good side like Australia.

"Lions tours are tough. The legacy for us is in that changing room. The togetherness of the whole group has been an absolute delight.

"We've played some outstanding rugby."

The Lions do not tour again until 2029 when they travel to New Zealand, with Farrell not ruling out coaching them again.

"Everyone knows what I think about this concept. I suppose that says it all. I absolutely love everything the Lions is about," said the Englishman, who will now return to his regular duties as Ireland coach.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed the last eight weeks. There's always ups and downs but the inner circle is a special place to be."

Asked if that meant he was keen to coach the Lions again, he replied: "Well, read into that what you want, but four years is a long time between drinks."

'SPECIAL THINGS'

The Wallabies only have a fortnight to recover before kicking off their Rugby Championship campaign with back-to-back tests against world champions South Africa.

But they will take heart from their improvement as the series wore on, particularly in Sydney where they were in control for large parts of the game.

Coach Joe Schmidt will step down after the southern hemisphere competition and make way for Les Kiss, who will lead them into the 2027 World Cup, which Australia will host.

The New Zealander's job was always about rebuilding after the 2023 World Cup under Eddie Jones, when they failed to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.

And he believes Australian rugby is once again heading in the right direction.

"I felt we grew through the series. We lost the first half of the first test but after that I felt we were right in every match," said Schmidt.

"After the feeling of deep disappointment they had after losing the series in Melbourne I couldn't be prouder of how this team responded.

"Looking forward I think there is a lot to be excited about."

Farrell was Schmidt's assistant when he was Ireland coach, and has always stressed that it would be insulting to underestimate any team he led.

"Special things are going to happen to Australia over the next 18 months," the Lions' coach said, after acknowledging the Wallabies were the better side in Sydney.

A fearless Australia stunned the British and Irish Lions 22-12 in a chaotic third test interrupted by lightning Saturday to deny the touring side a 3-0 series whitewash.

In bouts of torrential rain at Sydney's Stadium Australia, the hosts went to the break with an 8-0 lead after an eighth-minute try before showing steely nerve to finish the job.

The Wallabies deny the British & Irish Lions the clean sweep 🇦🇺🦁

Up next, the Springboks in the #TRC2025 🇦🇺🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/syxU0VUDRn

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 2, 2025

Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen both dotted down to put them 15-0 clear.

The Wallabies had thrown away an 18-point advantage to lose the second test in heartbreaking fashion last week, but learned their lesson.

They largely controlled the contest in front of 80 312 fans, swift at the breakdown and with plenty of attacking flair despite atrocious conditions.

"It was a disappointing week after such a tough loss," Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said.

"To bounce back the way we did, I'm so proud of everyone. To get the win was so special."

There was a lot of collateral damage, with Lions skipper Maro Itoje and Australia's Tom Lynagh both failing concussion tests and Lions lock James Ryan stretchered off after being knocked out making a tackle.

The teams were forced from the field two minutes into the second half because of a lightning warning, with play suspended for 35 minutes.

"We spoke about that before the game, that it could happen," Wilson said.

"We had a few plans in place. We just wanted this game so badly, whatever we had to do we were going to do."

Victory ensured the Lions' six-week visit ended in disappointment after winning all eight previous tour games.

"Our goal before the series was to try to win 3-0," said Dan Sheehan, who was the Lions acting captain after Itoje went off concussed.

"We gave it everything under harsh circumstances. The Wallabies have been in every test and I thought they deserved the win.

"It was a bit disappointing on our end to finish with this."

The Lions won the first test comfortably 27-19 in Brisbane before clinching a controversial 29-26 series-winning victory in the last minute last week in Melbourne.

That loss was gut-wrenching for Joe Scmhidt's Australia, the head coach rallied his injury-hit troops to bank the biggest win of his tenure.

LIGHTNING BREAK

In doing so, they denied the Lions a first unbeaten series since 1974 and gained some much-needed confidence heading into the Rugby Championship this month.

Lions coach Andy Farrell resisted resting any of his big guns despite the test being, on paper at least, a dead rubber.

In contrast, Australia made five changes, four of them because of injuries to Rob Valetini, Allan Alaalatoa, David Porecki and Harry Potter.

Australia were playing for pride and as the rain belted down they were full of intent, crossing for an early try and an important psychological boost.

Following a period of pressure on the Lions line, they went wide on a penalty advantage with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii flicking a pass to wing Pietsch who dived over in the corner.

With the packs slipping and sliding in the grim conditions, the Lions were frustrated, unable to launch any sustained attacks with Australia winning a host of turnovers to keep the pressure on.

Scrum-half Nic White, in his final test before retiring, was everywhere, leading the line as Australia pressed for another try.

The Stadium Australia applauds Nic White as he walks of the field for the last time 🇦🇺👏

📺 Stream #Lions2025 on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/juSC28syZ8

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 2, 2025

After failing to breach the Lions defence, they finally opted for three points with Lynagh nailing a simple penalty kick.

Australia picked up where they left off after the lightning break, with Jorgensen gathering and streaking clear when Bundee Aki fumbled the ball on 54 minutes.

Ben Donaldson converted to stretch their lead to 15-0, but the Lions woke up and Welshman Jac Morgan crashed over for a converted try to pile the pressure back on.

A yellow card to Ronan Kelleher with 12 minutes deflated the Lions and the Wallabies pounced again with Tate McDermott crossing to seal the win before Will Stuart's late consolation for the visitors.

The British & Irish Lions will empty the tank in search of the 80 minute performance they have been seeking throughout the tour when they face the Wallabies in their 10th match in Australia, assistant coach John Dalziel said on Friday.

The test series is already sewn up with Lions victories in Brisbane and Melbourne but going into Saturday's tour finale at Sydney's Stadium Australia, the tourists still feel they have not played their best rugby.

Scotland forwards coach Dalziel said the squad were naturally tired after two months on the road but also determined to bid farewell to Australia with a 10th win and an 80-minute performance.

"Well for us it's the only way to end this now, isn't it?" he told reporters at Stadium Australia.

"We don't want anything to derail it. We know it's going to be incredibly hard work. It'll be more wet playing here. So we have just got to find that energy and go again and get that performance that we all want.

"I think that's the key to it – there's still a performance in us. We've had 40 minutes in both of the tests. We want to give our supporters, we want to give everybody watching at home, a full 80 minutes and then show them what the Lions are about."

Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong would have more cause than many to feel fatigued having played in six of the nine matches so far in one of the most demanding positions on the park.

The determination of the Lions to close out the tour in style means the 32-year-old will suit up again on Saturday for his sixth start of the tour, and his last in a Lions shirt.

In doing so, Furlong will match Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones' record of nine consecutive Lions test starts going back to the series opener against the All Blacks in 2017.

"It is a little bit emotional, the Lions have played a massive part in my career," the tighthead told reporters on Thursday.

"It has shaped the way I play the game and think about the game. I know this Lions tour will be me closing the book on the Lions. I don't want it to end. It is a special thing to be a Lion."

British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has dismissed talk that the Wallabies are not worthy opponents as "insulting" and said it would be "tragic" if Australia was axed as a tour host.

The Lions are seeking a series whitewash when they clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday, having won the first test in Brisbane comfortably before edging a nail-biter at Melbourne last weekend.

Should they complete a clean sweep, it would be the first time since 1974 that they have gone through a test series unbeaten. They have won all eight tour games so far.

Australia, part of a four-year rotation with New Zealand and South Africa as Lions destinations, are sixth in the world rankings, having dropped as low as 10 after a horror 2023 World Cup.

It has sparked chatter that the Lions should seek tougher competition and better commercial opportunities elsewhere, with Argentina and France said to be keen for a slice of the action.

But Farrell said it was not on his radar and would be a mistake to dismiss Australia.

"I don't think it was ever on the agenda, in my opinion," Farrell told British media Friday of any threat to Australia as hosts.

"It would be tragic for us not to tour here. We've had a blast, and to me it's insulting to even talk about it in that type of way."

Australia are undergoing a rebuild with coach Joe Schmidt after being dumped out of the 2023 World Cup at the pool stages for the first time when Eddie Jones was at the helm.

Schmidt has been credited with bringing stability and a new work ethic, while blooding a lot of young players, with his efforts seen as work in progress.

"Every single team, country, province has their ups and downs, but Australia with the sporting nation they are, are always going to come back," added Farrell.

"That performance (by Australia) on the weekend was no surprise to us, and that's why we expect them to be better on Saturday.

"Have a look at the year they've got coming up. They're going to be a force to be reckoned with 100 per cent, through all their experiences, come the World Cup in 2027."

The Lions first toured Australia in 1888.

The French Rugby Federation's vice-president Abdelatif Benazzi said on Thursday informal talks are "progressing" about a game between France and the British and Irish Lions.

The teams last met in 1989 with former Les Bleus captain Benazzi eyeing a possible fixture before the invitational touring side head to New Zealand in four years' time.

The Lions are currently in Australia, and clinched the series last weekend with one test to go, on Saturday in Sydney, with a reported 40 000 fans having travelled for the tour.

Before this year's series, the Lions played Argentina in Dublin.

"It's progressing, but nothing formal," Bennazzi told AFP.

"Every four years we see the wave of people and enthusiasm it generates in all countries.

"A collaboration with our neighbours, remains something conceivable," the 56-year-old added.

Rugby already has a busy schedule but financial problems exist in the sport across the planet with a Nations Cup competition set to begin next July, replacing traditional test matches between countries.

"We have to find a new approach to be able to energise a bit of world rugby's global image," Benazzi said.

"We want to find a model that satisfies everyone.

"We have to reform because there's the Nations Cup that starts next year.

"All of that will be in coordination with all bodies, the players' union in France, the French national league, and the global players' union," the 78-time international added.

The British & Irish Lions have history on their minds as they head into Saturday's third and final clash with the Wallabies determined to sweep a test series for the first time in living memory.

No Lions team have even gone unbeaten in a test series since Willie John McBride's Invincibles in South Africa in 1974, when a controversial draw in the fourth match denied them the sweep.

The Lions did sweep Argentina 4-0 in 1927 and also beat the Wallabies 2-0 three times in the 1950s and 1960s as part of losing tours of New Zealand, but you would need to go back to 1904 for the last 3-0 triumph on a trip solely to Australia.

For coach Andy Farrell, however, the importance of the sweep is simply that it was something the Lions had committed to achieving as a squad before heading to Australia.

"Hopefully (the tour) will be remembered for the type of rugby that we played and the way that we went about it together. That's it," he said after naming his team on Thursday.

"We came here wanting to win a series. We've achieved that, but we've a massive responsibility to make sure that we finish this off with something that we promised ourselves."

In keeping with that spirit, Farrell made only minor tweaks to his team for the Stadium Australia clash, bringing Blair Kinghorn in on the wing, James Ryan into the second row and an extra forward onto the bench.

For Australia, Saturday is all about salvaging some pride after losing the second test, and the series, to a last-minute try in Melbourne last week.

The Wallabies have proved they can play by "winning" the second half of the opening test 14-10 in Brisbane and taking a 23-5 lead after half an hour of the second in Melbourne.

Coach Joe Schmidt said it had been difficult to pick the players up after the defeat but thought they should not ignore the progress they have made since he took over last year.

"My belief is that 18 months ago, no one gave us a chance of challenging the Lions," he said.

"(But) there's not been nearly as much between the teams as maybe people might have expected."

Flanker Rob Valetini and two other starters from last week will miss the match because of injury but Schmidt made a choice to bring scrumhalf Nic White into the team for his last test before he retires from international rugby.

The New Zealander denied it was a sentimental selection, citing White's kicking skills in what are expected to be wet conditions, but was certain he would get an emotional dividend from the rest of the team.

"When you make that contribution over 12 years, it's not sentimentality, but it is a reality when someone is important to the group, the group want to support them," he said.

British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje says the tourists have not yet played their best rugby in Australia and are looking to this weekend's dead-rubber third test to produce a landmark performance and sweep the series.

The Lions locked up series honours with a dramatic victory over the Wallabies in Melbourne last weekend but Itoje said there was no shortage of motivation heading into Saturday's clash at Stadium Australia.

"I guess we want to be part of something very special," the lock forward told reporters on Tuesday.

"Winning a test series, obviously, is extremely special, but what would be an absolute dream would be to go out there and perform to the level we think we can perform to and win the third game

"While the first two games have been great because we've got two wins, there's still a feeling that we probably haven't put it together in the way we know that we can.

"And I think that's the exciting thing for us. We want to chase down that, that performance that we've been searching for."

The Lions got back to training in Sydney on Tuesday after celebrating the series-sealing triumph at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Itoje, who was part of the Lions squad that drew the 2017 test series in New Zealand and lost narrowly in South Africa in 2021, said the achievement was "right up there" in his career highlights.

"You want to be a part of being a Lion, that in of itself is a humongous achievement, but you want to be a part of a series-winning side,

"Speaking to some of the guys from 2013, speaking to some of the golden oldies from '97, they look back and have such fond memories.

"You want to be a winning Lion. You want to be part of that esteemed group."

No Lions squad since the 1974 tour of South Africa has managed to go unbeaten through a test series, while the Wallabies have not been swept by the tourists since 1904.

"This is a huge game," said Itoje. "The Wallabies ... have shown the quality side they are and I know they're going to be hungry. They're going to be up for it.

"But we also want to make some history this weekend. If we can get another win, that would be amazing."

Veteran Australia prop Allan Alaalatoa was ruled out of the third British and Irish Lions test Tuesday, the Wallabies' second injury blow in as many days.

Alaalatoa hurt his shoulder during last week's crushing last-minute 29-26 defeat in the second test at Melbourne, not returning after halftime as the Lions clinched the series 2-0.

His absence explains the call-up on Monday of former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross, who has linked up with the Wallabies for the first time.

It is more likely, however, that Tom Robertson, who came off the bench in the first two tests, or Taniela Tupou will start in the front row on Saturday in Sydney.

"He's a massive part of the group," forward Jeremy Williams said of Alaalatoa.

"We just wish him the best in his recovery and hopefully he'll be back out there soon."

Williams had praise for Ross, who was born in Australia before moving to New Zealand as a child, playing one test for the All Blacks in 2022 before switching allegiances this year.

The 29-year-old was a long-time Chiefs player but he will play for Reds from next season.

"He's a great bloke and he trains really hard," said Williams.

"He's been in a few different systems now so I'm sure he's going to add a lot of value to the group."

Wing Harry Potter has also been ruled out injured, with coach Joe Schmidt having several options to replace him, including Dylan Pietsch, Filipo Daugunu and Corey Toole.

Australia head into the game desperate to avoid a whitewash, after losing the opening test in Brisbane 27-19.

Lock Nick Frost said the team were hungry for another shot at Andy Farrell's men after their disappointment at losing in Melbourne to Hugo Keenan's controversial late try.

"There's a bit of fire in the belly from the last couple of games, and you're playing in Sydney, for a lot of the boys, that's (their) hometown," he said.

"You're playing for your nation, playing for your family first and foremost too."

It may sound strange to quote an altered version of Shakespeare’s famous line from Hamlet when talking about the events of the 2nd test between the British and Irish Lions and Australia this past weekend in Melbourne.

But it isn’t untoward to say: "Hypocrisy thy name is Australia.”

Because while the rugby world has been talking non-stop about the call that referee Andrea Piardi made on the final play of the game, ruling Jac Morgan’s clean out on Carlo Tizzano to be legal (therefore allowing Hugo Keenan’s try that won the series for the Lions with a last minute score), the reaction has been remarkably different from four years ago.

The decision didn’t stop the meltdown from some Australian commentators afterwards, not the way Joe Schmidt reacted, slamming the decision at the post match press conference and Australian Rugby CEO Phil Waugh’s decision to back Schmidt and demand accountability from World Rugby as well.

In all it was an over-the-top reaction to a 50-50 decision that could easily have gone the other way and would have left the Lions fuming if it did.

But that’s not the point.

RASSIE’S COMPLAINTS GOT A DIFFERENT REACTION

Those of us with good memories remember the way that Rugby Australia reacted when in the last Lions tour Rassie Erasmus made a video of refereeing mistakes.

Whether you agree with Rassie’s actions at the time, or his assertion that the video was never meant to be made public, it didn’t stop Rugby Australia from crying foul, and demanding action from World Rugby to protect their referee Nic Berry.

For those who don’t remember, this was the crux of Rugby Australia’s statement at the time, slamming Erasmus’ decision to publicly criticise referees.

“Rugby Australia has noted with dismay and concern the recent public commentary by South African Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, regarding Australian referee Nic Berry and other match officials.

“There is no place for abuse of match officials in Australian Rugby, with Rugby Australia committed to promoting a fair, safe and inclusive Rugby experience for all participants, officials and fans.

“Rugby Australia believes the recent actions are unacceptable and against the spirit and values of the game.”

Rugby Australia Chief Executive Andy Marinos said: “Match officials form the very fabric of our game – simply, the game would not exist without them. As a highly regarded and respected international referee appointed by World Rugby, the attack on Nic’s integrity, character and reputation is unacceptable.

PUBLIC ATTACKS ‘ARE NOT TOLERATED’

“We have been in contact with World Rugby, under whose auspices this test Series sits, and understand that they are actively reviewing this matter as some facts presented were not accurate. It is important to ensure public attacks of this nature are not tolerated. We will continue to provide support to Nic at this time, as both his physical and mental wellbeing remains a priority for us,” Marinos said.

This past weekend Schmidt slammed the referee and Waugh called for accountability at World Rugby when the decision went against them. And it isn’t the first time Australia have been hypocritical.

Dave Rennie publicly slammed referees and wasn’t sanctioned for his actions, and Rugby Australia was mum at the time as well.

But they, and World Rugby, sit in a very strange position this time. Schmidt, of course, is very close with World Rugby bosses - he was appointed previously as the organisation’s head of High Performance and Director of Rugby.

Phil Waugh is a member of World Rugby’s World Council - the governing body of the game and by publicly backing Schmidt’s criticisms, goes against the Council’s way of dealing with rugby matters.

NO ACTION AGAINST SCHMIDT FROM WORLD RUGBY

And no surprise that Alan Gilpin told journalists in Sydney that no action would be taken against Schmidt either. World Rugby has a World Cup in the country in two years time and desperately needs it to succeed.

While you may argue his comments weren’t as pointed as Rassie’s at the time, it is a very different reaction to what the Springboks got at the time. Gilpin’s comments to journalists were about “understanding the emotion” and how we have to move on.

"There's a lot of emotion, understandably,” he said."The Wallabies had a chance to win an amazing test match, so we understand the emotion involved in that.

"Joe's comments have continued to respect the fact that the match officials have got a tough job to do. He might disagree with the decisions made, but I don't think he's called the integrity of our match officials into question.

“We won't talk publicly about that decision [of World Rugby’s review].

"The decision's happened, the game's finished, we'll move on, we'll share, and we do share, with Joe and the coaching team, why the match officials made that decision.

"Joe's got a view about what was wrong with that decision-making, and there'll be a debate between them about that, so that Joe and his players can go into the next test, understanding how that game's going to be officiated.

“The breakdown is one of the toughest areas. We know that.

"We’ll continue to work really hard with the match officials group to get consistency in the way that those key areas are officiated, and that provides, hopefully, clarity to players and coaches. But like in any high-level sport, coaches are always looking for the edge with their teams, and we respect that.”

SMACKS OF HYPOCRISY

Both Waugh and Rugby Australia’s reaction to the shoe being on the other foot smacks of hypocrisy as does World Rugby’s reaction to the entire drama surrounding the last decision as well.

One wonders if it was here in South Africa if it would have been the same, and if a different coach was involved - not one of their closest allies - if they would have reacted the same.

Of course this could all be a coincidence - the reaction, the downplaying of everything and a sign that World Rugby is more mature than four years ago.

But in reality it does little to stop the belief that there is a special place for the country that needed a World Rugby bailout in Covid - and miraculously was awarded the World Cup to back up the Lions tour.

And some teams are more favoured than others.

Just as some reactions by that same country smack of hypocrisy when the decision goes against them.

Just some food for thought.

World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin has backed the match officials involved in last weekend's second test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions and said it was disappointing the governing body's commitment to player welfare had been questioned.

The Lions won the test and clinched the series with a try from Hugo Keenan in the final seconds but the Wallabies were upset about a ruling from referee Andrea Piardi over a clear-out at a ruck immediately beforehand.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt said the decision not to penalise Lions flanker Jac Morgan for high contact was an error and Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said he would be seeking "accountability" from World Rugby over it.

"Given the nature of the commentary surrounding last weekend, we just want to express our support for the team of match officials involved," Gilpin told reporters at the launch of the ticketing programme for the 2027 World Cup on Tuesday.

"There is no other position on the field that is under the scrutiny that our match officials are under, and yet they do an incredible job under that incredible pressure in a very live environment.

"I think it's disappointing when the reaction is one of this means player welfare is not taken seriously, because I think we've worked really, really hard on that narrative. Everyone knows we're putting player welfare in its broadest sense at the top of the agenda."

A fuming Schmidt said at his post-match press conference that the decision called into question the commitment to player safety, but Gilpin said the New Zealander was unlikely to face disciplinary charges.

"The Wallabies had a chance to win an amazing test match," he added. "We understand the emotion involved in that. I think Joe's comments have continued to respect the fact that the match officials have got a tough job to do.

"He might disagree with the decisions that were made, but I don't think he's called the integrity of our match officials into question."

Gilpin said World Rugby were undertaking their normal review of the refereeing decisions made in the match after consultation with Wallabies and Lions management, but the results would not be made public.

"We do share with Joe and the coaching team why the match officials made that decision," he said.

"Joe's got a view about what was wrong with that decision and there'll be a debate so that Joe and his players can go into the next test understanding how that game's going to be officiated."

Gilpin said the nature of rugby meant it was inevitable that there would be disagreements over decisions but he called for such debates to be carried out respectfully.

"We all know that the breakdown is such a complex area to officiate, so they've gone through their process," he said.

"When the onfield decision is try, and it's referred to the TMO (Television Match Official), then there needs to be something really clear and obvious to change that. And they didn't feel there was."

The third and final test in the series takes place at Sydney's Stadium Australia on Saturday.

Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said he would seek an explanation from World Rugby on the late call by referee Andrea Piardi that ultimately decided the match and the series in the second test against the British & Irish Lions.

Hugo Keenan's last-minute try gave the Lions a 29-26 win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the Irish fullback scoring after Jac Morgan had cleared out Carlo Tizzano in a ruck in the buildup.

The Wallabies wanted a penalty for high contact, but after a discussion with the TMO, Piardi allowed the try to stand, a decision slammed by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt in his post-match press conference as contrary to World Rugby's campaign to improve player safety.

"Joe's comments were 100 per cent aligned with mine as a CEO and a former Wallaby," Waugh told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Our position on that particular decision is consistent to what Joe outlined in his analysis of that last breakdown.

"Clearly, there'll be the usual process, which is what happens after every test match, and we'll certainly be looking for a level of accountability from World Rugby over the next period of time."

The incident has led to a huge debate across all forms of media, but Nigel Owens, formerly the No 1 referee in the game, came down firmly on the side of his Welsh compatriot Morgan.

"There are a lot of experts on social media and a lot of pundits who think they are experts at refereeing as well," Owens told BBC Radio Wales on Monday.

"The Australian player gets in and he is also very low. This happens all the way through the game, we see many of these incidents. Morgan comes in and tries to go underneath him, go really low to clear him out. It is textbook clearing out."

PERFECT CLEAROUT

Owens said the only time this type of action would be illegal was if Morgan had arrived a couple of seconds later.

"Then there would be the conversation that there could be foul play," he said.

"But it is very dynamic, like the referee explained. The Australian player gets there a split second before, but Morgan is already coming in in a legal clearout and so then there's no foul play. It's a perfect clearout."

Saturday's victory gave the Lions an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series ahead of the third and final test at Sydney's Stadium Australia this weekend.

Max Jorgensen, one of the few Wallabies who might still be playing when the Lions next visit Australia, said on Monday it had been crushing to lose in Melbourne after leading until the final minute.

"It really hurts, it's a tough pill to swallow. I was absolutely gutted personally, I know everyone in the team was," the 20-year-old winger told reporters at the team hotel.

"To have to wait another 12 years to have the chance of getting a series win is obviously devastating."

It is 121 years since the Lions swept the Wallabies in a test series and forward Nick Frost said there was a real determination in the squad to put their best foot forward in Sydney at the weekend.

"We're definitely keen to rip in," the lock said. "We know there's so many things that we've got to improve on but there's some really good parts of that game."

Australia on Monday called up former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross for the third and final test against the British and Irish Lions, while wing Harry Potter was ruled out injured.

Ross, who was born in Australia before moving to New Zealand as a child, will join the squad as the Wallabies try to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash in Sydney on Saturday.

The Lions won the first test in Brisbane 27-19 and the second at Melbourne 29-26.

"Aidan Ross will join the squad in Sydney to help the team prepare for the final test of the British and Irish Lions series," the Wallabies said on social media.

"Harry Potter will remain in Melbourne after sustaining a hamstring injury."

Ross played his sole test for the All Blacks in July 2022 against Ireland and has now completed World Rugby's mandatory three-year gap before switching allegiances.

The 29-year-old was at Chiefs since 2017, playing his 100th game in their Super Rugby final triumph in June, but he will switch to Reds next season.

Potter started the second test against last weekend, but hobbled off 20 minutes into the game with replacement scrum-half Tate McDermott playing as wing.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has several options to replace Potter, including Dylan Pietsch, Filipo Daugunu and Corey Toole.

The familial bond between head coach Andy Farrell and playmaker son Owen looms large over the British & Irish Lions as they prepare for the second test against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday.

However, the dynamic between the pair has been strictly professional since Owen's late call-up into his father's squad, according to Lions scrum coach John Fogarty.

Owen Farrell missed out on selection for the first test win in Brisbane but the former England captain has been named in the reserves for the clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Farrell and his father have shared plenty of change-rooms, including during the Lions' 2013 tour of Australia, when Andy was defence coach and Owen came off the bench to help the tourists win the third test decider in Sydney.

The family ties make for an interesting sub-plot as the pair could celebrate another series win at the MCG on Saturday.

In the team environment, though, their special relationship is virtually imperceptible, said Fogarty.

"When we're training or when we're in a rugby setting, there's no difference between any player and Owen," Fogarty told reporters on Friday.

"It's just the same relationship as any player and coach. If you didn't know it was his son, you wouldn't really get it.

"You wouldn't really think he was his son. He doesn't treat him in any way differently.

"They're two professionals."

The coach's decision to call up Owen as a replacement for injured fullback Elliot Daly proved polarising despite the flyhalf/centre's leadership and experience of three previous Lions tours.

Farrell had, after all, not played a test for England since 2023 and endured an injury-blighted season with French club Racing 92.

But few have questioned the 33-year-old's selection for the Melbourne test following his strong, 80-minute performance at inside centre in the mid-week win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV.

Farrell's versatility and experience could prove valuable for the Lions on Saturday should the test prove tight and tense deep into the second half.

The players will hear a familiar voice out on the field.

"He has huge respect from the other players," Fogarty said.

"When he talks, he talks sense, like his dad.

"There's similarities between the two of them. They're natural leaders. That's very visible when they both interact with players."

A pep talk by Martin Johnson has fired up the British and Irish Lions ahead of the second Australia test, with the England great stressing the importance of fundamentals and staying calm in big games.

Regarded as one of the best locks to have ever played, Johnson captained the Lions to a series victory over South Africa in 1997, but also tasted defeat as skipper four years later in Australia.

Andy Farrell's tourists can lock up the current series with a win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday after a polished performance secured the first test in Brisbane 27-19.

Defeat will send the two teams to Sydney for their final clash with everything to play for.

Johnson spoke about winning and losing at a dinner with the players on Thursday.

"He talked about in the biggest of games, the fundamentals are incredibly important," Lions scrum coach John Fogarty said on Friday, adding that the room was transfixed.

"He said, 'it's the smallest of margins in the biggest of games'.

"When you're playing in front of 95 000 people in a stadium as iconic as this, and you're under pressure, or you're applying pressure, your emotions can go up and down.

"Being able to get back to neutral, or find a way to get clarity back in your mind in the shortest of times is difficult at times for players.

"So I think that's really important for us. It's good advice.

"Tomorrow, we're not going to get everything our own way," he added. "We understand what type of game, how big a game, it's going to be for both teams, and we know it's going to be a game of small margins."

The Lions have made seven changes to their matchday 23 with lock Ollie Chessum, prop Andrew Porter and centre Bundee Aki all coming into the starting side.

They are coming off a bruising 24-19 triumph over a First Nations and Pasifika side on Tuesday – their seventh consecutive win – and bracing for another physical contest with wet weather forecast.

"We don't see this game in any way as one-sided," said Fogarty.

"We understand the proud tradition of Australian rugby, we understand they're not going to go away at all. We're preparing for an absolute battle."

Owen Farrell was named Thursday on the bench as the British and Irish Lions made seven changes to their matchday 23 for the second test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Lock Ollie Chessum, prop Andrew Porter and centre Bundee Aki all come into the starting side in place of Ellis Genge, who drops to the bench, Sione Tuipulotu and Joe McCarthy, who are both injured.

McCarthy limped off with a foot injury in the Lions' 27-19 win in Brisbane last Saturday.

Owen Farrell was overlooked for the opening test, but captained the side against a First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday.

He delivered an influential performance in his first full 80-minute game since April.

Farrell replaces Marcus Smith, who was available for selection having passed a head injury assessment after coming on as a substitute against Pasifika.

Ireland's Hugo Keenan retained his spot at full-back, with Scotland's Blair Kinghorn named as a replacement having proved his fitness against Pasifika.

Wing Mack Hansen was touted as a strong contender for the bench, but has a foot injury.

Our team for the Second Test at the MCG!#Lions2025 #WeGoBeyond pic.twitter.com/qzYeYQX6jM

— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 24, 2025

After an upset loss to Argentina in Dublin, the Lions have won all seven games since arriving in Australia.

Head coach Andy Farrell’s side can clinch a first Lions series win in 12 years with a game to spare at the MCG, where a crowd of 90 000 is expected.

The Lions are coming off a bruising 24-19 win over the Pasifika side and are bracing for another physical contest with wet weather forecast for the second test.

"We have put ourselves in a good position after the first test, but we know there will be a massive reaction from this Wallaby team," said Andy Farrell, who is Owen's father.

"Everyone saw the quality they have in Brisbane and we know we will have to be a lot better than we were last week."

BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS (15-1):

Hugo Keenan; Tommy Freeman, Huw Jones, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Jamison Gibson-Park; Jack Conan, Tom Curry, Tadhg Beirne; Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje (capt); Tadgh Furlong, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, James Ryan, Jac Morgan, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell, Blair Kinghorn

Australia coach Joe Schmidt has added a considerable heft to his pack with the inclusion of Rob Valetini and Will Skelton in his starting line-up for Saturday's second test against the British & Irish Lions.

The Wallabies were outmuscled by the tourists at the collision in the first hour of last week's loss in the series opener in Brisbane and the return of flanker Valetini and lock Skelton from calf injuries should help in that area.

Schmidt is hoping their influence will go beyond just adding a bit more more physicality to the pack.

"We've got a group of players who haven't won too much in recent times ... and I think building confidence is an incremental thing," the New Zealander told a news conference on Thursday.

"Bobby probably brings confidence to other players because of his experience and his ability to take the ball forward.

"I think one of the key things with Will is he's a very calm influence. Yes, he's a big man ... but his experience of being involved in successful teams, particularly with La Rochelle in Europe, I think just gives other players confidence."

Hooker Dave Porecki, who missed the first-test defeat because of a concussion sustained in Australia's warm-up match against Fiji, has also been recalledin placeof Matt Faessler.

Our team. Your team 🦘

Read more: https://t.co/IOfTpYfc2f#Wallabies #LionsTour2025 pic.twitter.com/TrR7KRgpq3

— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 24, 2025

Schmidt resisted further changes to his starting side and 22-year-old Tom Lynagh will lead an unchanged backline from flyhalf at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in his second test start.

Flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny and Faessler have been dropped to allow the return of Valetini and Porecki, while lock Jeremy Williams remains in the matchday squad among the replacements after making way for Skelton.

Schmidt has opted for a 6-2 split in favour of the forwards on the bench with the powerful Langi Gleeson also returning from injury to join flanker Carlo Tizzano as back-up for the loose forwards.

"It's not forward heavy, it's replacements for guys who are coming back from injury," explained Schmidt.

"We know that we've got Will Skelton, Bobby Valetini and Langi Gleeson all coming back from injury, so we're just trying to cover that as best we can."

Schmidt said he has never been an "outcomes" focused coach but conceded his relatively inexperienced Wallabies team beating the Lions on Saturday to level up the series would rank high among his career achievements.

"I've been lucky to have been on the periphery of some fantastic outcomes over the last 20 years of of coaching professionally, but this would be special inevitably," he said.

"And it'd be special for this group, and I think it would accelerate a little bit of their growth as well."

The third and final test takes place at Sydney's Stadium Australia on August 2.

TEAM: 15–Tom Wright, 14–Max Jorgensen, 13–Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12–Len Ikitau, 11–Harry Potter, 10–Tom Lynagh, 9–Jake Gordon, 8–Harry Wilson, 7–Fraser McReight, 6–Rob Valetini, 5–Will Skelton, 4–Nick Frost, 3–Allan Alaalatoa, 2–David Porecki, 1–James Slipper

Replacements: 16–Billy Pollard, 17–Angus Bell, 18–Tom Robertson, 19–Jeremy Williams, 20–Langi Gleeson, 21–Carlo Tizzano, 22–Tate McDermott, 23–Ben Donaldson

British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell was mulling his options on Wednesday ahead of "the biggest game of our lives", with some selection conundrums for the second test against Australia.

The tourists have won all seven games in Australia so far, including a polished 27-19 victory over the Wallabies in the first test at Brisbane.

They can wrap up the series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday and write their names in the history books.

"If you can't get up for what's coming, we're all in the wrong place," Farrell said after a second-string Lions weathered a storm against a First Nations and Pasifika XV on Tuesday.

"To me, this is the biggest game of our lives for every one of us who is part of our squad."

The Lions beat the Pasifika side 24-19 to maintain their perfect record on Australian soil, but it wasn't always pretty with the hosts' physicality and never-say-die attitude creating problems.

"There will have to be plenty of improvement to get to the point where there's a win on the cards because we know that Australia are going to be a lot better," Farrell added.

"We started to play the game a little bit like an exhibition match and it was never going to be like that. We weren't earning the right to play."

Farrell said before the match it was a late chance for players to make a case for selection in the test 23, and a decision must now be made on whether Scottish fullback Blair Kinghorn did enough to oust Ireland's Hugo Keenan from the starting side.

British media reports suggested first-choice lock Joe McCarthy and wing Mack Hansen will not be fit for Saturday, with those positions also at stake.

Farrell's son Owen, who was overlooked for the first test, skippered the side on Tuesday and was both composed and influential.

Four-time Lions head coach Ian McGeechan told Sky Sports the "Test-match animal" made a strong case to be included in the matchday squad.

Asked about his son's performance, Farrell only said: "Nice little chip off the left peg. Some good things from him."

Should Owen Farrell get the nod, Marcus Smith appears the likely fall guy.

Smith came on as a replacement against Pasifika but departed for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), which Farrell said he passed and was available for selection.

Wallabies great Kurtley Beale says the First Nations and Pasifika XV deserve regular fixtures against touring sides after the inaugural team's stirring performance against the British and Irish Lions.

The combative side, comprised of Australians with First Nations or Pasifika heritage, were largely written off before the clash in Melbourne on Tuesday after limited preparation.

But their passion and bone-rattling physicality surprised the tourists, who essentially fielded a B team, but still packed with top-class players.

The hosts scrubbed out an early 14-0 deficit to keep the contest on a knife edge, eventually losing 24-19 in a game that could have gone either way.

"I think so," said 95-test veteran Beale when asked if the concept should be more than a one-off.

"You can see how much heart the boys played with. There's so much talent here.

"I think it's a great platform for all the young Pasifika and First Nations kids out there watching. Hopefully they can look at this jersey and some will aspire to it in future.

"I want this to be a fixture that sticks in the annual calendar," he added.

The hosts' tactics of aggressive, in-your-face physicality unsettled the Lions in a blueprint for how Joe Schmidt's Wallabies could approach the second test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Beale said he hoped the lessons had been learned.

"You need to take it to them, head on," he told reporters.

"It created opportunities for us. I think playing rugby, you need physicality to lay the platform for your backs to play off."

Much of the brute force was provided by towering lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and prop Taniela Tupou, who did their hopes of an Australia recall no harm.

Coach Toutai Kefu said the pair deserved another crack at the test arena.

"I definitely would look at investing in him (Salakaia-Loto) and bringing him into the squad," he said.

"Taniela is a work in progress – his set piece was world-class. When he's on song, there's probably not many better."