Australia captain Harry Wilson admitted he and his teammates used the pain of losing the second test and with it the three-test series to the British and Irish Lions as fuel for their third test performance.
Pietsch (7'), Jorgensen (54'), McDermott (70')
Tries
Morgan (61'), Stuart (79')
Donaldson (55', 71')
Conversions
Russell (62')
Lynagh (33')
Penalties
Australia captain Harry Wilson admitted he and his teammates used the pain of losing the second test and with it the three-test series to the British and Irish Lions as fuel for their third test performance.
A week ago, Hugo Keenan’s last-minute try gave the Lions a 29-26 victory that along with their 27-19 victory in Brisbane in the first test guaranteed them the series.
The Lions were aiming for a 3-0 whitewash with victory at Stadium Australia in Sydney, but the Wallabies lifted their performance to new heights, dominated the tourists, and were deserved 22-12 victors.
Joe Schmidt’s team were well-marshalled by scrumhalf Nic White who was making his 73rd and final appearance in a gold and green jersey.
“LOVES A BEER”
“I am so proud of the team, we were hurting but it is something to be proud of,” Wilson told Sky Sports. “It means so much to us when you have this many people supporting you, you have no reason to come out here and have pride in the jersey and try to win.
“I am so happy that he (White) got to finish his test career like that. He is so important to our group, he keeps us accountable, and he loves a beer. He is a great team-mate.”
The Lions were a shadow of the team that started the first test in stellar form, and who showed great heart to fight back after trailing 23-5 in the second test.
The Aussies bossed them in all facets of play, played the rain-swept elements better, didn’t let up in attack, and took their chances when they came.
Nonetheless, the Lions have won their first series since 2013, the last time they toured Australia.
EYES ON NEW ZEALAND
“It's gutting to be honest,” hooker Dan Sheehan said. “The aim of the tour was a 3-0 victory but fair play to the Wallabies. What a series against Australia. Every game has been close.
“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.”
Despite the defeat, head coach Andy Farrell will be favourite to lead the Lions when they tour New Zealand in 2029.
“The best team won on the night,” Farrell said. “It might take one or it might take two beers (for the Lions players), but they'll be unbelievable proud of what they've achieved on this tour.
“I said in the week it would be insulting to question Australia's place on the series, and I repeat that. Special things are going to happen to Australia over the next 18 months. They have special athletes and special players.”
