The British and Irish Lions were denied a series whitewash by a spirited Australia in a chaotic third Test that was interrupted by a long lightning break in Sydney.
The Wallabies stormed out the traps and emerged from the suspension to clinch a 22-12 win at Accor Stadium after a performance packed with immense pride to avoid suffering a historic 3-0 whitewash.
The Lions remain 2-1 winners for the tour, but fell behind early thanks to Dylan Pietsch’s early try, while Tom Lynagh’s boot added three more points to confirm a deserved advantage at the break.
The feisty first half produced a chaotic, messy contest after heavy rainfall throughout the evening in Sydney, with Maro Itoje, Lynagh and Tommy Freeman all casualties after failing Head Injury Assessments.
A 30-minute break after lightning occurred in the vicinity of the stadium added to the chaotic Test. But the Wallabies emerged with Jorgensen and McDermott's tries, and Will Stuart’s last-minute score was not enough to leave a sour taste at the end of the tour for Andy Farrell’s men.
Relive all of the action ad follow all the reaction and analysis from rugby correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle at Accor Stadium in our live blog below:
Australia vs Lions live
- Australia host the British and Irish Lions in the third Test in Sydney | Live on Sky Sports with kick off at 11am BST
- 8' TRY! Pietsch dives low to put Wallabies up early [AUS 5-0 LIONS]
- Play suspended for 30 minutes due to lightning in area
- 55' TRY! Jorgensen gathers a turnover and sprints clear [AUS 15-0 LIONS]
- 62' TRY! Morgan gives Lions hope [AUS 15-7 LIONS]
- 70' TRY! McDermott's dummy and dive puts Wallabies clear [AUS 22-7 LIONS]
- 80' TRY! Stuart finally finishes a bruising Lions move [AUS 22-12 LIONS]
Tim Horan reacts to Australia win over Lions
18:40 , Jack Rathborn“It’ll do a lot for our game in Australia, there’s so much pride in the gold, I’ve not seen this much gold in a long time,” says Tim Horan.
“What Joe has done, last 12 months, is blood a lot of young players, starting to form a bit of a combination, they have to back up and play the world champions.
“We really needed that result tonight.”
Joe Schmidt on Nic White
18:20 , Jack Rathborn“I'm pretty sentimental about him now,” Joe Schmidt says on Nic White.
“I look stupid with that moustache, that was for Whitey. It gets really tough, next Friday, we head to South Africa, they've earned the right to enjoy this evening. As disappointed as they are, they know they weren't far away."
Joe Schmidt reacts to consolation Australia win over Lions
18:00 , Jack Rathborn“I’m just relieved, incredibly proud, we worked very hard to get that 8-0 lead, coming off lightning, it could’ve destabilised things, to stay in the game, we got a bit lucky.
“The way we stayed in the game was testament to the players’ character really, it wasn’t pretty, the strategy that was different, it was just their character.
“It was a difficult win, the way the players came through. I was delighted with the endeavour despite the conditions.”
Tim Horan on the priority for the Australia after beating Lions in third Test
17:40 , Jack Rathborn"For the Wallabies fans, last three or four weeks, we need to get our hands on the Bledisloe Cup,” says the Aussie legend.
“That’s what the fans want, beat the All Blacks once, that’s momentum and it’s what we need.”
Warren Gatland on Owen Farrell
17:20 , Jack Rathborn"He's such a competitor, he just wants to win, to see him with a smile on his face, coming to the end of his career, you want him to enjoy his rugby, being involved, the first person to win two Lions series, a great competitor and a great leader, very much like his old man, whatever he does, post-rugby, he'll be fantastic."
Dan Sheehan reacts to Lions series win
17:00 , Jack Rathborn"It's gutting to be honest. The aim of the tour was a 3-0 victory but fair play to the Wallabies,” says the Irishman.
"What a series against Australia. Every game has been close. I have never experienced anything like that. We were loving it in the changing room and we thought we we were in a really good position.
"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.
"We have already organised to come back in 12 years as a reunion, it's been a one of a kind journey for me."
Andy Farrell says Wallabies will be 'forced to be reckoned with' by World Cup
16:40 , Flo CliffordAndy Farrell said in his post-match press conference that he expects the Wallabies to go from strength to strength by the time of the World Cup in 2027.
“I said to Joe [Schmidt, Australia coach] before the game there on the pitch, that I think special things are going to happen for this team over the next 18 months,” he said.
“By the time the World Cup comes around, they'll be a force to be reckoned with, like everyone's seen in the past, they've got some special athletes and some special players, and that's no surprise to us after how they performed over the last couple of weeks.
“We all know how hard it is to be successful on the Lions tour against a good side like Australia, and they are a good side, and they proved that over the series.
“I mean, everyone has their ups and downs. I've looked at the progress over the last 18 months. It's been through the roof and you look at that side that's been out there over the last ... three weeks, they're a hell of a team.”
What next for the Wallabies?
16:20 , Jack RathbornSaturday, 16 August, 16:10 BST: South Africa v Australia
Saturday 23 August, 16:10 BST: South Africa v Australia
Saturday 6 September, 05:30 BST: Australia v Argentina
Saturday 13 September, 05:00 BST: Australia v Argentina
Saturday 27 September, 06:05 BST: New Zealand v Australia
Saturday 4 October, 10:45 BST: Australia v New Zealand
Nic White on his last Test game for Australia
16:00 , Jack Rathborn"I am so happy that he got to finish his Test career like that,” says White.
“He is so important to our group, he keeps us accountable and he loves a beer. He is a great team-mate."
'Might take two beers' to be proud of tour - Andy Farrell
15:45 , Flo CliffordWhile the Lions celebrated the series victory, it was tinged with an element of regret as they missed out on the opportunity to record a whitewash.
“I suppose there is obviously going to be frustration there,” Farrell admitted. “We’ve said all along that we wanted to win every game, but the best team won on the night today. I just said to the lads, on reflection, it might take one, it might take two beers, but they will be unbelievably proud of what they’ve achieved throughout this tour.
“I suppose the legacy for us is in that changing room. The togetherness of not just the players but the whole group has been an absolute delight to work with.”
Andy Farrell provides update on James Ryan after worrying incident in Lions defeat
15:30 , Flo CliffordAndy Farrell has provided an encouraging update on James Ryan after the British and Irish Lions lock was taken off on a stretcher following a sickening incident in the third Test.
The Lions were beaten 22-12 by the Wallabies in Sydney to miss out on the series clean sweep they had coveted on a night marred by injuries and a long weather delay.
The tourists had already lost Maro Itoje and Tommy Freeman after the pair failed head injury assessments when Ryan’s head collided with the knee of a carrying Will Skelton as he attempted to tackle the Australia lock.
Andy Farrell provides update on James Ryan after worrying incident in Lions defeat
Warren Gatland demands more games with Lions tours bigger than rugby'
15:15 , Jack Rathborn"We have to do everything we can to protect this, my first tour I did was 12, then 10, now we're down to eight, maybe less moving forward, but that wouldn't be a Lions tour for me, we need to go back to 10. To feel like a proper tour.
“It needs to resemble what old tours were like, it's about the fans, reduce the number of games, yes, it's tough on domestic competitions, but you make compromises, this is bigger than rugby. It's brilliant for the Lions fans and players, the experiences they have."
Lions celebrate series win over Australia
15:00 , Jack Rathborn
Tadhg Beirne reacts to Lions winning tour 2-1
14:50 , Jack Rathborn“Credit to Australia, they took it to us in the weather, but we won the series, and that’s all that mattered,” Beirne says.
“I thought some of our defending was excellent, but we kept giving them opportunities.
“I don’t think it was energy, I think it was errors, accuracy. It’s bittersweet, after tonight, we’ll never be back in the same dressing room.”
Owen Farrell reacts to Lions tour victory
14:38 , Jack Rathborn“The main thing I can say, since I have been out here, I’ve loved it,” Farrell says, as the first professional player to win two tours.
“This group has been unbelievable, they helped me come to this team and slot in.
“What we’ve achieved off the back of it. I’m determined to enjoy this stage of my career, the group helped massively. Being around people that want the best for each other. The atmosphere, we’ve done pretty well as well.”
Lions skipper Maro Itoje reacts to series victory
14:31 , Jack Rathborn“A massive thank you to our hosts Rugby Australia, it’s a privilege to tour this great nation,” Itoje starts.
“A special thank you to the sea of red, it’s been amazing, you guys have been sensational.
“We look forward to having you back in four years. Thank you, we go again!”
Owen Farrell reacts to Lions tour victory
14:26 , Jack Rathborn“It is a proud moment for the family, you don’t have time to sit back and think,” Farrell says.
“It’s been a great tour, the game didn’t go well today, but you can’t take away everything we’ve done here.
“I’ll be back in a bit quicker than everyone else I think.”
Andy Farrell won't rule out returning for New Zealand tour in 2029
14:21 , Jack Rathborn“The coaching staff has been immense, no egos, a special memory together,”
“I suppose, when you decompress, a week or two for that to happen, we’ll get to that eventually, then I’ll reminisce.
“They [Oasis] sure are [waiting for us in Dublin]. I can’t wait to get back home to Dublin, spend time with the family.
“I’ve loved every single minute of it, but that [tour of New Zealand] is a long time off, isn’t it?”
Lions celebrate tour win over Australia
14:15 , Jack Rathborn
Australia skipper Harry Wilson reacts to series defeat to Lions
14:09 , Jack Rathborn“I’d like to congratulate the Lions on their win, played in good spirit, the support has been special and we’ve really enjoyed it,” says the Wallabies skipper.
Lions collect medals after series win as rain pours in Sydney
14:03 , Jack RathbornIt’s pouring down again, the players drenched as they pick up their medals on the Accor Stadium turf.
Maro Itoje in good spirits, despite being taken out of the game after failing an HIA.
The platform is now filling up, the trophy presentation is moments away.
Andy Farrell reacts to 2-1 series victory for Lions
13:55 , Jack Rathborn“I can’t wait to get into the changing room and say what I need to say, we’re disappointed, but we should be proud of what we’ve achieved,” Farrell says.
“To do what we’ve done, to put the series in the bag, we will be proud of our achievement.
“How we got the job done in that type of theatre. It’s tough. The games come thick and fast, these lads have been a dream to work with.
“Congratulations to Australia, they deserved to win and played the conditions better than us, we gave them a score then it was hard to claw back. Their set-pieces were pretty good as well.”
Australia survive chaos and carnage as Lions clean sweep dreams washed away
13:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle, at Accor StadiumIf last week’s second Test at the MCG was an epic occasion of grand proportions, this was a rugby experience quite unlike just about anything that had gone before in a very different way. It was tough to make sense of all that unfolded over 80 minutes – and more – of chaos and carnage: a series of worrying head injuries, brawls breaking out all over the place and a 40-minute delay as lightning brought a halt to messy proceedings early in the second half.
And, at the end of it all, Australia emerged from a night of incident and accident having avoided the ignominy of a 3-0 whitewash. There was to be no glorious farewell for a British and Irish Lions side that had thought of themselves as history-makers; it was the Wallabies with a golden goodbye. The tourists had spoken of finishing the job properly, gathering together for one last push to go where no Lions team had since 1927 – but a combination of misfortune and mishaps left a dispirited group to celebrate series victory on the back of a defeat.
Australia survive chaos and carnage as Lions clean sweep dreams washed away
Finn Russell confirmed as player of the series
13:51 , Jack Rathborn“I love it, I’ve enjoyed getting to know the boys, the four nations coming together, travelling together this time,” says Scotland and Lions star Finn Russell.
“To get to know the guys on and off the pitch is amazing. Last week could’ve gone either way, obviously, Australia were brilliant.
“Chances missed, but it’s the last game, but fortunately it’s not a fatal ending. I’ve always loved playing rugby.
“I’m playing some good rugby, it’s down to the guys around me.”
TRY! 80' Australia 22-12 Lions (Stuart)
13:40 , Jack Rathborn80 mins
At least, the Lions get over the line, Will Stuart scores, there’s no time for the conversion though.
Some consolation for the Lions, but the Wallabies get a deserved win on the board to avoid the whitewash.
Australia 22-7 Lions
13:36 , Jack Rathborn77 mins
It’s been a washout in some ways, replacement Alex Mitchell is on and it’s another penalty for the hosts.
Not much going right for the Lions. Sua'ali'i grabs Beirne around the face as he stormed towards the try line, but it could be a high tackle? Donaldson on Earle off the ball, too, that’s worth a look.
Lions go to touch, 48 seconds for Kelleher, can the tourists finish on a high?
Sheehan driving and hoping for a third score in three Tests.
It’s messy now!
Australia 22-7 Lions
13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle, at Accor StadiumOur Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is at Accor Stadium and has the latest in Sydney:
"That will be that. Australia are worthy victors on this very strange night of incident and accident but this has been disappointing from a Lions team that declared their intention of winning this series 3-0 long ago. Yes, they've had some misfortune but they've been the sloppier of the two sides throughout tonight. A few fans have already left the Accor Stadium, heading for somewhere more dry."
TRY! Australia 22-7 Lions (McDermott)
13:26 , Jack Rathborn70 mins
The vision of Gibson-Park, he ran around the back and sprinted in to put off Jorgensen, he saved a try there.
It’s an Aussie scrum, the extra weight, can it count, this could put the game away.
Ikitau and Hooper, it’s so tight, can the Lions stand up?
Game over! McDermott with a dummy, then a dash, he reaches out, TRY!
The conversion is good and the Lions are down to 14 men, surely this is too much now.
Australia 15-7 Lions: Kelleher handed yellow card
13:24 , Jack Rathborn69 mins
Pollard gives to McDermott, the power is there and they’re about 2m away again.
Wilson onto Bell, Pollard again, a penalty coming...
Donaldson, then Jorgensen with the scooped pass... but Pietsch coughs it up. Knocked on. A tight call here, points with the kick and it remains a two-score game.
Kelleher is off... A yellow. Curry trudges off, he’s in agony. What a man, he’s been through so much, incredible resilience, but his tour is over.
Australia 15-7 Lions
13:21 , Jack Rathborn66 mins
Curry has hobbled on, another putting their body on the line, he’s due wrist surgery.
The Lions up against it as the Wallabies kick for the lineout deep into their territory.
Pollard and now McDermott, the Lions are desperate, no knock-on there, but what a missed chance as the try line was within reach.
TRY! Australia 15-7 Lions (Morgan)
13:15 , Jack Rathborn62 mins
In comes Frost, Kinghorn begging for it... Chessum fancies it, it’s coming, surely... TRY!
Jac Morgan buries himself into the turf for the score, the Lions are alive. Stuart was able to shove his teammate over the line. Conversion is good, too.
It’s a second try of the series for the lone Welshman.
Australia 15-0 Lions: Nic White withdrawn in strange move from Wallabies
13:11 , Jack Rathborn58 mins
A standing ovation for Nic White... It’s over, it seems. He’s grinning from ear to ear, black headband, battered, bruised... But what pride, he was arguably man of the match. What a way to go!
Australia 15-0 Lions: Injuries force reshuffle for Andy Farrell's side
13:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Accor StadiumOur Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is at Accor Stadium and has the latest in Sydney:
"The back five of the Lions pack has been radically reshaped by their injuries: Ollie Chessum and Tadhg Beirne now make-up the second row with Jac Morgan and Tom Curry on either flank.
“The pair combined superbly there, Curry snaring Nic White around the corner and allowing his Welsh chum to latch on over the ball to earn a penalty. The Lions just can't quite build pressure, though, the errors always coming just after a good moment."
TRY! Australia 15-0 Lions (Jorgensen)
13:05 , Jack Rathborn55 mins
Electric from Jorgensen down the right and he gobbles up a turnover from the Lions to surge clear and then race into the middle of the pitch for the score. A fourth Wallabies try.
It was sloppy from the Lions, Kinghorn had his arms in the air in despair. The successful conversion from Donaldson pushes the advantage to three scores.
Australia 8-0 Lions
12:57 , Jack Rathborn48 mins
Sheehan throws and it’s another rushed phase of play, but finally the Lions get possession and slow it down, Gibson-Park up and over with the boot.
Frost was awesome at the lineout with a big paw taking it away from Chessum.
Keenan gathers deep and thumps it long, the Wallabies return in kind, Jones then decides to shuffle the legs and sprint back instead. Kinghorn then puts it into touch.
Australia 8-0 Lions: Third Test resumes in Sydney
12:54 , Jack Rathborn45 mins
We’re back underway, and more chaos, as Taniela Tupou charges through, but the ball is coughed up.
The Lions belatedly returned to the field a long time after the Wallabies.
Australia 8-0 Lions: Wallabies back out to warm up
12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle, Accor StadiumOur Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is at Accor Stadium and has the latest in Sydney:
"The Australia players re-emerge to cheers for a ten minute warm-up, soundtracked by Geri Halliwell's version of The Weather Girls' 'It's Raining Men'.
“A break may actually be good for the Wallabies - Will Skelton is normally a 50-minute man but Joe Schmidt might feel the lock can go a little bit deeper after this unexpected rest. No sign of the Lions just yet..."
James O'Connor on Australia's hopes to defeat Lions
12:40 , Jack RathbornJames O'Connor: "I've never experienced anything like this, it's almost end of days, it's not even just the rain, it's thick.
“We spoke about pride of the journey, they've gone to war. It's great to see. White, he's been the ring leader, getting the boys up. We'll focus on fundamentals, aerial, and we'll see what comes.
“Tactically we’re in control of this game, it’s end to end, but I think we have dominance territorially.
“The forward pack going to work, I’m so proud of the work going in. I’m sore just watching it, both teams have put on an awesome show. It’s been a great contest.”
“It depends how old you are, over 30, the knees take a little bit longer... It’s going to be interesting.”
Australia 8-0 Lions: Play set to resume
12:36 , Jack RathbornBoth teams have agreed to a 10-minute warm-up...
Play will restart, as things stand, at 9.50pm local time (12:50pm BST), unless more lightning occurs in the area.
Australia 8-0 Lions: Fans suffer after brutal conditions force suspension
12:34 , Jack RathbornOur Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is at Accor Stadium and has the latest in Sydney:
"You have to spare a thought, too, for the paying punters in the ground - this will have been a miserable evening for many in the rain, and this delay will make getting back to Sydney later very tough with this stadium located a long way outside of the city centre."
Australia 8-0 Lions: Fans face heavy fines after pitch invasions
12:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle, Accor StadiumOur Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is at Accor Stadium and has the latest in Sydney from a chaotic and breathtaking third Test:
"Truly extraordinary scenes here at Accor Stadium. After all of the injury carnage and chaos, the game has been paused after a lightning strike, with at least a 30 minute delay and subsequent 10-minute warm-up period to come before it can resume - assuming there is no further lightning. In the mean time, four or five idiotic spectators have invaded the pitch, earning themselves a fine of AU$5,500. No word yet on when we might be able to go again."
Australia 8-0 Lions: Play suspended due to lightning
12:23 , Jack Rathborn
Australia 8-0 Lions: Play suspended for 30 minutes due to lightning
12:21 , Jack RathbornThere is no team talk for Farrell, who is standing away from his team, and that appears fair given it’s just three minutes after the second half.
Play is suspended for 30 minutes!
A lightning strike within 10km of the stadium has set the clock... another one will reset it.
Australia 8-0 Lions: Play suspended due to lightning
12:13 , Jack RathbornOur Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is at Accor Stadium, he has the latest in Sydney:
"This is utter carnage, and really quite worrying for James Ryan. The lock took a knee from Will Skelton right to the head and did not move after hitting the floor - which makes it perplexing why Nic White decided to take the time to start another fight over his prone body. In equally classless fashion, the stadium DJ has just invited the crowd to launch into a Sweet Caroline singalong. Ridiculous. Best wishes to Ryan and the other Lions to have failed HIAs, Maro Itoje and Tommy Freeman."
Australia 8-0 Lions
12:13 , Jack Rathborn43 mins
A brief pause, Sweet Caroline ringing around Accor Stadium, not exactly the moment, you would say.
Nic White jumping into Owen Farrell, he’s rattled the tourists again. The smaller man, with a black headband to patch up his wound, has got right under the skin of his opponents.
Australia 8-0 Lions
12:09 , Jack Rathborn43 mins
And the violent end to the first half has carried over to the second half.
It’s chaos. James Ryan has been knocked out, a heavy blow, his body was all wrong there. That low tackle is enough to make you wince. It was Will Skelton’s knee that did the damage.
Jac Morgan to come on for the Lions.
HT: Australia 8-0 Lions
11:53 , Jack RathbornFreeman is out, too, he failed his HIA... Problems for the Lions.
HT: Australia 8-0 Lions
11:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleOur Rugby Correspondent, Harry Latham-Coyle is at Accor Stadium, he has the latest in Sydney:
"Tommy Freeman departs with what looks to be a broken nose. The Lions were running with Huw Jones on the wing, Owen Farrell at 12 and Bundee Aki at 13 at their captain's run yesterday with Freeman nursing a sore back, and it is to that combination that Andy Farrell has gone. Maro Itoje, meanwhile, will not return - it appears Dan Sheehan has taken over the captaincy after the lock's HIA."
HT: Australia 8-0 Lions: White bloodied in brutal first half
11:50 , Jack RathbornWhat a breathtaking first half in the sodden Sydney night, with Accor Stadium drenched.
Nic White looks like he’s been 10 rounds in a world title fight, blood trickling down his face.
Itoje out, Freeman, too, perhaps. The Lions are in big trouble in their pursuit of a whitewash.
Australia 8-0 Lions: Captain Itoje ruled out after failing HIA
11:48 , Jack Rathborn39 mins
Freema is bloodied, he could be done here? This is a turbulent end to the first half for the Lions. Owen Farrell is on.
While Maro Itoje has failed his HIA, he’s out!
The captain had played every minute of the Test series so far, alongside Beirne, Conan and Keenan.
Australia 8-0 Lions
11:42 , Jack Rathborn34 mins
Australia will take the points, Lynagh... three points. A switch in tactics, and fair enough, you would say. But that was absorbing. A passage of play for more than 10 minutes and the Lions bend, but crucially do not break.
Australia force turnover in pursuit of vital second try
11:38 , Jack Rathborn31 mins
Oh no, turnover Lions, Aki walks away sheepishly. This is serious pressure in the red zone, so to speak. A knock-on.
Australia are gleeful, Aki wipes his face, a grimace. scrum time...
Skelton and Aki, two giants, a free play after the Lions go offside. Australia, do they gamble again?
Lions force turnover to survive relentless Aussie pressure
11:36 , Jack RathbornOur Rugby Correspondent, Harry Latham-Coyle is at Accor Stadium, he has the latest in Sydney:
"The sight of Maro Itoje trudging off 28 minutes in for a head injury assessment compounds a tricky period for the Lions, who are in a right scrap and generally coming out on the wrong side. Itoje doesn't appear in particular discomfort but there is a bit of blood in his mouth; Ollie Chessum is on but Andy Farrell will be hoping his skipper is cleared to return.
"But that's surely ridiculous decision-making from the Wallabies, turning down three points to probe the corner and then failing to make ground at the maul. This is going to be a low-scoring game, you feel - would it not be wise to take the points when you can get them?"
Australia gamble to push for try in torrid conditions
11:35 , Jack Rathborn28 mins
No kick, they snub it, lineout time... Itoje bloodied, this is a war. Porter also hurt?
A pause in what was a relentless wave of Aussie possession. Chessum is on.
A bold decision from the Wallabies, on a night like this, where points will be so precious.
Lions holding on as Australia pile on pressure
11:33 , Jack Rathborn27 mins
Skelton is some bully, his collosal frame is punching holes in the Lions and Australia back on top and pushing for another score.
A penalty for the Wallabies, too. Sua'ali'i fancies a dance, momentum stopped for now.
But that’s a champagne pass from Wright, Jorgensen gathers, a little glint in his eyes as he looks to penetrate the Lions. But they survive. Back to the penalty. They’re clinging on.
Australia rattle Lions as tensions spill over in sodden Sydney
11:29 , Jack Rathborn23 mins
Ooh, that’s lively, White swinging at Sheehan, it’s all gone off! Wilson involved too, Skelton gets a telling off.
Nothing on the line? What nonsense, these sides are putting it all out there. Itoje calms things down with his own talk from referee Nika Amashukeli.
Rain causing havoc for Lions in pursuit of Australia whitewash
11:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Accor StadiumOur Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is thankfully dry at Accor Stadium, he has the latest in Sydney:
"These heavy showers really are bringing rain of biblical proportions to Accor Stadium, a wet week in Sydney continuing and really disrupting the rhythm of this game. The Lions are trying to play ambitiously at times, as they have done all tour, but their joy so far has largely come from making gains via the boot. The weather is affecting everyone - the officials have missed several knock-ons so far, which isn't necessarily the worst thing in ensuring that the game doesn't become entirely stop-start.
"Australia again look keen to scrap and have brought plenty of physicality on the gainline. Dylan Pietsch put in one really fierce shot on Tommy Freeman and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has levelled a couple of Lions. Can they keep it up?"
Australia v Lions descends into kicking duel after chaotic conditions
11:23 , Jack Rathborn20 mins
Russell with a safe catch, then a boot, Freeman sprinting back towards Wright... He gets rid quickly. Both sides looking to get rid of the ball.
Time for a scrum, Itoje unable to gather from the lineout but Skelton’s pop pass almost caused a turnover.
In terms of penalties at the scrum, three conceded in the first Test, three won in the second for the Lions. We’ll have another lineout.
Australia 5-0 Lions: Rain causing havoc in Sydney
11:19 , Jack Rathborn15 mins
The lineout misses everyone... Sheehan sprinting, some sight, and he dives, sliding to gather on the sodden turf.
This is chaotic! Wallabies now booting it into touch, Wright had enough of the carnage caused by the rain. The pitch is almost waterlogged in parts.
Australia 5-0 Lions
11:17 , Jack Rathborn13 mins
Freeman out wide, Lions back on top and looking for parity. The downpour is incredible, of the tropical variety, the handling is a nightmare.
“LIONS, LIONS...” rings out, Wallabies smashing the Lions to the floor. Pietsch is electric, and that is a monster hit to Freeman. Wallabies survive, lineout...
Australia 5-0 Lions
11:12 , Jack Rathborn8 mins
The Wallabies are chipping away, Wright gathers, Australia have a penalty.
A free play... Score! Dylan Pietsch dives, some finish, first blood to the hosts!
Magic from Sua'ali'i, too, a lovely offload and Pietsch snatched the ball and brought it down low for the score.
An early setback for the Lions...
Australia 0-0 Lions
11:09 , Jack Rathborn5 mins
The rain is lashing it down in Sydney, Skelton gather at the lineout, offloads as the Wallabies get their game going, an uptick in tempo.
Keenan under pressure after Wright dabs one in behind, frantic from the Lions to regroup, the Aussies starting fast again.
The weather is going to be a major problem!
Australia 0-0 Lions
11:07 , Jack Rathborn3 mins
Kinghorn in for this third Test, unpredictable and able to dance before being dragged down.
Skelton riling the Lions again, he’ll get a shove for his troubles. The Aussie giant takes a swipe at Jamison Gibson-Park, feisty!
Australia v Lions - 3rd Test, kick-off approaching
10:59 , Jack Rathborn
Andy Farrell: Questions over Australia’s future as Lions tour host are ‘insulting’
09:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell went a step further and said it is “insulting” to question whether Australia deserves to continue to host British and Irish Lions tours – though declined to say whether he would be willing to coach the touring side in four years’ time in New Zealand.
Andy Farrell: Questions over Australia’s future as a Lions tour host are ‘insulting’
Maro Itoje reveals stance on future Lions tour destinations
08:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere has been a bit of chatter throughout this tour about Australia’s place as a Lions touring destination, but Maro Itoje this week backed the traditional three remaining on the itinerary for years to come.
Australia captain Harry Wilson pays tribute to Nic White
08:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle"Nic White is the ultimate competitor and team man, especially over the last two years when he has been really running the non 23," Australia captain Harry Wilson said of the retiring scrum half yesterday.
"Every training session he gets the boys up and does whatever it takes for the team.
"When he goes across that white line, he is a different man and competitor.
"He is loved by this group and will be missed in the gold jersey. He represents what it is to be a Wallaby."
Australia scrum half Nic White to retire from international rugby after third Lions clash
08:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Wallabies all sported moustaches at their captain’s run team photo yesterday in honour of Nic White, set to play for the final time in Australia colours tonight - we think! There are some whispers of a possible injury to Jake Gordon that may force White to plough on past this series, but regardless he has been a remarkable competitor and a fine servant to the Wallabies.
Australia scrum half White to retire from international rugby after third Lions clash
Joe Schmidt hits out at ‘online abuse’ of Carlo Tizzano as Wallabies flanker stood down after Jac Morgan incident
08:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleCarlo Tizzano will not feature for Australia today having been stood down after what Joe Schmidt described as a “really tough week”, with online abuse, depressingly, again a talking point. Let us hope Tizzano is OK and back in a Wallabies shirt in the Rugby Championship.
Joe Schmidt hits out at ‘online abuse’ of Carlo Tizzano after Jac Morgan incident
World Rugby hits back at Joe Schmidt over criticism of controversial decision in second Lions Test
08:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleJoe Schmidt was pretty punchy immediately post-match on the decision not to award a penalty against Jac Morgan for his clearout on Carlo Tizzano - though he has subsequently praised the officials for their performance otherwise. World Rugby weren’t that happy, mind, with his comments suggesting player welfare had not been put first.
World Rugby responds to controversial refereeing call in second Lions Test
Can Australia build on Melbourne?
07:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Wallabies will have been mighty frustrated to have let the second Test slip away, a vastly improved performance ultimately not enough to square the series. Joe Schmidt and his squad need to demonstrate, though, that they can build on that showing.
Australia proved a point in Melbourne — but second Test cannot be a false dawn
Finn Russell: ‘To get the series win is amazing but the job’s not done yet’
07:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlso writing his own outstanding Lions story is Finn Russell, now as complete a fly half as any in the world. It’s quite the redemption tale...
Finn Russell: ‘To get the series win is amazing but the job’s not done yet’
‘Cool, calm and collected’: Maro Itoje cements Lions legacy in second Test cauldron
07:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe list of Test-series winning Lions skippers is relatively short, ensuring that Maro Itoje has a place in the pantheon. It’s a ninth straight Test, and eighth consecutive Test start, for the lock tonight.
‘Cool, calm and collected’: Maro Itoje cements Lions legacy in second Test cauldron
Inside the Lions celebrations after securing series victory against Australia
07:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions have been pretty rugby-focussed since arriving in Australia, but they celebrated long into the night last weekend.
Inside the Lions celebrations after securing series victory against Australia
Lions roar to series victory
07:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleWill look ahead to tonight’s action a little later, but let us first look back on a dramatic second Test in Melbourne at a rocking MCG.
Lions roar to series victory over Australia after dramatic win in second Test epic
Australia vs British and Irish Lions
07:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleYes, history is within reach for Andy Farrell’s men - but they probably need to win and win well today to really mark themselves out as a great Lions side, something that has been their stated ambition since coming together.
The unique Lions challenge standing between Andy Farrell and history
Australia vs British & Irish Lions live
01:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleWith the Test series secure, the British and Irish Lions are hunting history as they take on the Wallabies for the final time in Sydney. Can the tourists secure a 3-0 clean sweep to really cement their legacy? Or will Australia hit back having come so close in Melbourne last week?
Kick off is at 11am BST.
