Australia clinch 22–12 win over Lions in lightning-hit series decider

Australia 22-12 British and Irish Lions, Sydney

Australia emerged victorious in the third and final Test against the British & Irish Lions, winning 22–12 in a dramatic match overshadowed by a lengthy lightning delay.

The match began with Australia taking early control. Just eight minutes in, Dylan Pietsch scored the opening try after sustained attacking pressure. Tom Donaldson missed the conversion, but the Wallabies still held a 5–0 advantage.

The first half continued to tilt in Australia’s favour, and by the 34th minute, Tom Lynagh slotted a penalty to extend the lead to 8–0.

Just before half-time, lightning within 10 kilometres of the stadium forced officials to halt the match for 37 minutes. Players and fans were ushered to safety, and the pause disrupted momentum on both sides. At the time of suspension, Australia held their 8–0 lead.

Once play resumed in the second half, the Wallabies capitalized on their earlier advantage. In the 55th minute, Max Jorgensen crossed the line for Australia’s second try, and Donaldson added the conversion to push the lead to 15–0.

The Lions struck back seven minutes later, with Jac Morgan scoring their first try, converted by Finn Russell, narrowing the margin to 15–7.

However, discipline issues soon compounded the Lions’ problems. In the 69th minute, replacement hooker Rónan Kelleher was shown a yellow card for an offside offence, leaving his team a man down at a critical juncture.

Just two minutes later, Australia punished the Lions’ numerical disadvantage with a try from Tate McDermott, converted again by Donaldson, extending the lead to 22–7.

In the final minute, the Lions managed a consolation try through Will Stuart, but the conversion attempt failed. The match ended 22–12 in favour of Australia, who not only weathered the literal storm but also outplayed a Lions side that struggled to recover from the disruption and injuries earlier in the game.