Andy Farrell hails Keenan’s match-winning try in Lions’ historic comeback

British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has revealed he was screaming Hugo Keenan to pass the ball in the dying moments of Saturday’s second Test against Australia—just before the full-back produced a stunning solo effort to clinch a dramatic 29-26 win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

With the Lions trailing by two points in the final play of the game, Keenan received the ball with Jack Conan outside him.

Rather than pass, the Leinster star stepped inside and accelerated past Wallabies centre Len Ikitau to score the match-winning try, completing the Lions' largest comeback in Test history after recovering from an 18-point deficit.

Farrell admitted after the game that his instinct was to call for the pass but ultimately praised Keenan’s decision and execution. “I was screaming, pass it, pass it, pass it!”

The Lions coach said. “Knowing Hugo, he was never going to pass it, he was always going to back himself.”

Farrell added that Keenan’s confidence in critical moments is part of what makes him special. “I spoke to his dad after the game and he said the same. He backs himself in those situations.”

The try sealed a 2-0 series victory for the Lions with one match to spare and sent the crowd of over 90,000 fans at the MCG into celebration. It also marked the first time the Lions have won a Test in Melbourne and cemented the match as one of the greatest in the team’s storied history.

Reflecting on the scale of the achievement, Farrell said: “The lads have dreamed of being Lions all their lives.

"We've made history, haven’t we? Does that warrant the ‘legends’ tag? I think it does. Why not? We came here to do what we've done tonight and we should all celebrate.”

The Lions now head to Sydney with the chance to complete a clean sweep, while Australia will look to restore pride in the final Test.