Lions roar to series win as Keenan strikes at the death

Out of a second Test epic, the British and Irish Lions roar to series victory.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has seen many a great sporting occasion over its 172 years, but even this grand old sporting cathedral seemed to shake to a seismic encounter of grand magnitude, settled at the last by a sliding Hugo Keenan and a decision to be argued long into the Australian night. Contention, colossal contacts and moments of majesty and magic - what more could one want in an encounter to restore faith in Australian rugby and prove again just how special the Lions can be?

This was a riotous, raucous game befitting an almighty night, the many worshippers and few rugby infidels captivated alike at a rocking church that provided a suitably monumental backdrop. But, for a few moments after Keenan had scored what proved the match-winning score, no one inside the MCG seemed quite sure what their emotions were - Jac Morgan’s clearout of Carlo Tizzano requiring further scrutiny before the try was awarded.

“No foul play,” referee Andre Piardi eventually concluded, and the Lions’ celebrations could begin. But series victories do not come easily, and how they had to earn this win.

Across 80 minutes of serious ferocity, the Wallabies answered a great many of the questions that had been asked of them after their meek first Test showing. Joe Schmidt, their head coach, had declared that his side would not be so passive and not play nice — Australia backed up both proclamations with the thunderous hits and clever skulduggery that Test rugby demands of any team. Thoughts of a one-sided series, common before this contest, were clearly misplaced; reports of the demise of Australian rugby union exaggerated. And yet the history books will show a Lions side victorious with a game to spare after their biggest Test comeback in history.