Schmidt questions Keenan try after Lions clinch series in Melbourne

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has expressed frustration over a key officiating decision during the Wallabies' narrow 29-26 loss to the British and Irish Lions in the second Test at the MCG, a result that sealed the series for the visitors.

The match was decided in dramatic fashion as full-back Hugo Keenan crossed for a last-minute try, completing the Lions' biggest-ever Test comeback after trailing by 18 points.

The score sparked a lengthy review by referee Andrea Piardi and TMO Eric Gauzins, who examined a ruck incident that occurred a few phases earlier.

At the centre of the controversy was Lions flanker Jac Morgan’s clean-out of Australia’s Carlo Tizzano. Replays showed Morgan making high contact on Tizzano’s back or neck as both players contested the breakdown.

After extensive analysis, match officials ruled that the contact was legal—concluding that Morgan had wrapped his arms, and that both players arrived simultaneously at the ruck.

Schmidt, however, was unconvinced. “I think everyone can make their own decision on that,” he said. “Just read Law 9.20. A player dives off his feet, is clearly beaten to the ball, and makes neck contact. It’s a tough one to take.”

He added, “Match officials are human. Players make errors. Match officials make errors.

"But from our perspective, that decision didn’t reflect the push around player safety. You can’t hit someone above the shoulders. There’s no bind with the left arm—his hand’s on the ground.”

Despite the disappointment, Schmidt praised his side’s performance and commitment in what was a fiercely contested match.

“You can’t get more motivated than the players showed tonight,” he said. “We demonstrated a high level of skill and physical commitment.”

The Wallabies will now head to Sydney looking to avoid a series whitewash, while the Lions have already secured the tour win with one match to spare.