The British and Irish Lions clinched a series win against Australia in a thrilling second Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Wallabies stormed out of the traps to seize a huge lead in their bid to level the series after going down 1-0 last week in Brisbane, but ultimately had their hearts broken by Hugo Keenan’s last-gasp try to earn a 29-26 win on the night and 2-0 series victory ahead of the third Test in Sydney next week.
Will Skelton’s imposing figure set the tone in a bruising first half at the MCG, with James Slipper, Jake Gordon and Tom Wright tries earning a deserved advantage for the Wallabies, who added plenty to their pack through the powerful Rob Valetini.
But Lions hopes were boosted by a quickfire double from Tom Curry and Huw Jones before the interval and Tadhg Beirne scored to set up a thrilling finale with Keenan’s late winner settling an iconic battle in front of nearly 100,000 fans at a raucous MCG. Follow all of the fallout, reaction and analysis from the second Test in Melbourne with our live blog below:
Australia vs British and Irish Lions live
- The Wallabies host the Lions in the second Test at the iconic MCG | Second Test live on Sky Sports Main Event
- 16' TRY! Sheehan hits back for Lions in feisty Test [ AUS 6-5 LIONS]
- 23' TRY! Slipper polishes off a powerful Wallabies move to rock Lions [ AUS 11-5 LIONS]
- 28' TRY! Gordon dashes through to underline early Wallabies dominance [AUS 16-5 LIONS]
- 28' TRY! Wright finishes a breathtaking move after Sua'ali'i's brilliant run [ AUS 23-5 LIONS]
- 34' TRY! Curry hits back for Lions to spark hopes of comeback [ AUS 23-10 LIONS]
- 37' TRY! Jones adds another in an unbelievable first half in Melbourne [AUS 23-17 LIONS]
- 59' TRY! Beirne hits back for Lions to narrow gap in thrilling Test [AUS 26-24 LIONS]
- 80' TRY! Keenan strikes last-gasp score to break Aussie hearts [AUS 26-29 LIONS]
- REPORT: Lions roar to series victory over Australia after dramatic win
REPORT: Lions roar to series victory over Australia after dramatic win
13:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle, at the Melbourne Cricket GroundOut of a second Test epic, the British and Irish Lions roar to series victory, writes Harry Latham-Coyle at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
This iconic stadium 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.
Lions roar to series victory over Australia after dramatic win in second Test epic
Important stats so far
15:30 , Ciara FearnIn a gripping contest at the MCG, Australia edged the Lions in possession (55% to 45%) and looked sharper with ball in hand, making 172 passes and 134 carries compared to the Lions’ 127 passes and 96 carries.
The Wallabies also created more line breaks (9 to 4) and missed fewer tackles (23 to the Lions’ 39).
However, the Lions edged territory (52% to 48%), won more turnovers (4 to 3), and made a remarkable 179 tackles to hold firm under pressure.
Both sides were close on penalties conceded - Australia with 8, the Lions with 9, but in the end it was the visitors who found the crucial score and claimed the win.
Time for the Lions to celebrate!
15:15 , Ciara Fearn
Joe Schmidt, speaking to Sky Sports:
15:00 , Ciara Fearn"It's a tough one to take, leading for 79 mins and a decision that leaves us forlorn, but I'm proud of the way the players played. They fought back, showed some real mettle. They showed they can play the game, as well, we got space on the edges, space through the middle. We've got to dust ourselves off.
“They're gutted, I think they're angry, let it defuse and then travel to Sydney. Take a day to recover because they spent themselves tonight. It's a sense of pride and trying to improve.. The series is part of a journey.
“We wanted to be alive going to Sydney, we'll try to improve. We fly to Jo'berg six days after the third Test. Certainly not an easy time at the moment."
Hugo Keenan's iconic late try
14:30 , Ciara FearnHow high does Hugo Keenan’s late try sit among iconic Lions moments?
It’s the first time since Jeremy Guscott’s famous drop goal in 1997 that the Lions have sealed a series with a final play.
Finn Russell, speaking to Sky Sports:
13:46 , Ciara Fearn"About 70 minutes in, I thought if we get back here I'll think about the drop goal, I felt we had them chasing around all over the pitch and we could find the killer blow. It's risky if you knock it on, but we're always going to score there. Play a bit longer, like I did.
"It's brilliant playing with the best boys, there's an intensity you don't get with clubs. We were on the backfoot, a couple of quick tries. A confidence and belief in ourselves. Two points behind at half-time, I thought not too bad. A lot of energy in the second half.
"Staying calm, I thought everyone did, we got it done. You're with the best of the best, but you're one team, and competing with each other. A limited number of sessions per week because the boys are tired from the games. Next week, the team will get named on the Wednesday, so Monday and Tuesday are big to get on the team.
"It's great having that intensity in training. The momentum swing before half-time, that was huge, that got us right back in the game. That was the big swing, The way we came out in the second half, the way the boys fronted up, it was amazing."
Warren Gatland speaking to Sky Sports:
13:40 , Ciara Fearn"He felt it was a penalty, I think it was a clearance, I don't know where Morgan can go, he's not tried to make contact with the head, just a rugby incident, I think it was the right decision."
Ronan O'Gara speaking on Sky Sports:
13:39 , Ciara FearnRonan O'Gara: "Those competitors don't have to wake up to a series like 2009. They'll remember this, but my Lions memories is the opposite, it's a negative, but it's a positive with how it shapes you.
"It was a proper game, Australia fired shots, they were quite unlucky. Joe said off air, he thought his cleaner was on the ball, if you're on the ball, it should be penalty Australia."
Former Lions head coach Warren Gatland on Sky Sports:
13:25 , Ciara Fearn"It was a brilliant game of rugby — exactly what the sport needs.
"The crowd was amazing. Australia turned up and played some fantastic rugby.
"You’ve got to feel for them after the Lions scored in the 80th minute, but that’s what good teams do — they find a way to win.
"I spoke to Joe Schmidt and he felt it was a penalty, but I just saw it as a clearout.
"I don’t know where Jac Morgan was supposed to go — it looked like a rugby incident to me. I think it was the right decision in the end."
Lions prop Ellis Genge speaking to Sky Sports:
13:23 , Ciara Fearn"This is mental. Everyone is overwhelmed at the moment. I don’t think it has sunk in.
“This has been one of the best experiences of my life."
Ollie Chessum, speaking to Sky Sports:
13:18 , Ciara Fearn"It's everything you have ever dreamt of, to win it in that fashion, you can't ask for more. I haven't got the words for it now, hopefully I will in a few weeks.
"Faz said to us at half-time, if you pull this back, it'll be the win of your lives. It's exactly that, they threw the kitchen sink at us. It's just unbelievable."
Lions try-scorer Huw Jones speaking to Sky Sports:
13:16 , Ciara Fearn"It's so special to come and do it here in front of nearly 100,000 in an incredible atmosphere. Wasn't perfect, but when the bench comes on, that finish.. it's unbelievable.
"Obviously [I had] the initial disappointment of not being named in the squad internally. Luckily we'd all gone through the plays.
"I'm gutted for Garry (Ringrose) because he deserved to play and we've got so close over this period - all the centres together have connected really well. To have to pull himself out is so tough.
"But I got the nod, was ready to go and I'm glad we got the job done today."
Lions match-winner Hugo Keenan speaking to Sky Sports:
13:15 , Ciara Fearn"You don’t really think of these things - with my try-scoring record, I was probably the least likely!"I’m absolutely delighted. It came off the back of countless phases of hard work from the lads. It was a pretty cool moment - one I’ll definitely savour."
Lions head coach Andy Farrell speaking to Sky Sports: 'It was never in doubt'
13:10 , Ciara Fearn"It wasn’t great, especially in the first half. We started with back-to-back penalties and yellow cards, and it really cost us on the scoreboard.
"But we found a way back into the game, and that gave us confidence heading into the second half. And, wow - what a finish!
"When we were able to build pressure, we rolled pretty nicely. Every time we got into the 22, we came away with something. We had solid belief at half-time and knew we could win if we controlled our discipline.
"It was never in doubt, was it?”
Lions win series 2-0
13:09 , Ciara Fearn
Lions head coach Andy Farrell speaking to Sky Sports:
13:08 , Ciara Fearn"It's fairytale stuff, this group, they've dreamed of being a Lion all their lives. To get to this point, win it at the death, what a privilege.
“They [Australia] said they'd show up, they certainly did that. Physicality came, but there was a lot more than that."
Lions captain Maro Itoje on the fightback:
13:07 , Ciara Fearn"I think we started hitting. It sounds pretty basic, but our scrum got on top and our decision-makers - Finn (Russell), Faz (Owen Farrell), Jamo (Gibson-Park) at 9 - they started playing really well.
"We just managed to stay close enough and scored in the end.
"My uncle last week sent me a message saying 'look, you guys aren't the Harlem Globetrotters - you need to make sure you win'. So....thank you uncle! Luckily we did it.
"The exciting thing - you know and I know we've got so much more in us. Hopefully next week we have an opportunity to actually bring it all together.”
Ronan O'Gara speaking on Sky Sports:
13:05 , Ciara Fearn"It's very fitting that it's Hugo Keenan - probably the man in European rugby for the last four years with the most repeat efforts.
"To see him do that in the 81st minute shows where his level of fitness is - he epitomises everything that's so good in the Lions Test animals.
"It's very cruel for the Australians, but sometimes it's hard to keep class down."
Lions win series 2-0
13:04 , Ciara FearnThe Lions sealed the series at the MCG with a thrilling win, their third series victory in the professional era and first since 2013.
They’re the first Lions team since 1997 to win the first two Tests and have now achieved back-to-back series wins in Australia for the first time.
Andy Farrell’s side staged the biggest comeback in Lions Test history, overturning an 18-point deficit for a memorable victory.
Lions secure epic series win after Melbourne thrille
13:03 , Jack Rathborn
Lions captain Maro Itoje speaking to Sky Sports:
13:01 , Ciara Fearn"It feels surreal, the first 20 minutes, we weren't great or physical enough. We managed to find a way in the second half of the first half.
“We managed to fight, Andy, he told us to play big, believe in ourselves. I give credit to the bench, they made a massive difference.
"We started hitting, getting on top with the scrum, we managed to stay close enough and scored in the end. It's amazing, it's joy, my uncle, last week, he sent me a message, you're not the Harlem Globetrotters, just win. We did it.
"It's about the 90,000 Lions fans that came, I'm happy for the whole squad, the four nations, we can celebrate this one."
Full-time! Australia 26-29 Lions
13:00 , Ciara FearnThe Lions seal the series with the final play of a thrilling Test igniting wild celebrations at the MCG.
Australia had hoped for that last try to be overturned due to Morgan’s contact with Tizzano’s head, but the decision stood.
Heartbroken the Wallabies sink to the ground their valiant comeback ended in heart-breaking fashion.
It’s a tough loss for Australian rugby, but they walk off proud after a remarkable effort that nearly saw them snatch victory.
Try! Australia 26 - 29Lions (Keenan)
12:50 , Ciara FearnThe Lions snatch victory in the final moments!
Hugo Keenan’s last-minute try seals the series victory with just seconds left on the clock.
The Wallabies argue that Morgan struck Tizzano’s head at the breakdown before the ball was passed wide to Keenan for the try.
However, the referee allows play to continue and the Lions have made history!
Australia 26-24 Lions
12:46 , Ciara Fearn77 mins: The Lions drive hard from the scrum, aiming to seal the series, but Genge knocks the ball on.
Australia now have the scrum, which might actually work in the Lions’ favour given how well they’ve been controlling the set-piece.
Australia 26-24 Lions
12:42 , Ciara Fearn73 mins: Australia somehow hold firm against the pressure. Keenan sparks the attack with a brea followed by Genge powering through the defence.
Australia kicks to touch, but the Lions stop their maul and force a turnover. Now the Lions have another chance to press their advantage at the scrum.
Despite their momentum, prop Stuart is penalised for delaying play on the ground.
Australia 26-24 Lions
12:39 , Ciara Fearn70 mins: Australia throws a forward pass giving the Lions a scrum near halfway. The Lions’ refreshed front row quickly earn a scrum penalty.
Russell kicks deep allowing the Lions to establish strong territory for another attack on Australia.
Australia 26-24 Lions
12:38 , Ciara Fearn67 mins: Wright fakes his way down the right wing and passes to Jorgensen who kicks the ball toward the Lions’ try line.
Gibson-Park rushes in to cover, gathers the ball and manages to stay on his feet just long enough for support to arrive allowing the Lions to clear their 22 safely.
Australia 26-24 Lions
12:34 , Ciara Fearn65 mins: More subs as the Lions bring on fresh legs up front as Ronan Kelleher and Will Stuart come on for Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong.
Australia 26-24 Lions
12:33 , Ciara Fearn64 mins: This could be a big moment for the Wallabies as the Lions drive close to the try line.
But substitute Tizzano steps up with a crucial turnover relieving the pressure on Australia.
Australia 26-24 Lions
12:32 , Ciara Fearn63 mins: The Lions are really turning up the pressure with Aki forcing a turnover at halfway.
Then Russell delivers a precise kick into touch setting up a crucial five-metre lineout for the Lions.
Australia 26-24 Lions
12:30 , Ciara Fearn61 mins: Subs: Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn come on as the Lions prepare for a tense final quarter with the series on the line.
Try! Australia 26-24 Lions (Beirne)
12:28 , Ciara Fearn59 mins: What a try and a huge moment for the Lions!
The Lions spread it wide with James Lowe powering past a tackle before offloading to his Ireland teammate, Tadhg Beirne.
Beirne then barrels through two defenders to score in the corner. Russell adds the conversion, cutting Australia’s lead to just two points.
Australia 26-17 Lions
12:27 , Ciara Fearn58 mins: The Lions push forward as Aki takes the ball in midfield and powers straight through the Wallabies’ defence.
Genge follows with a sharp sidestep driving the Lions’ momentum into Australia’s 22.
Jac Morgan arrives
12:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the MCGBy Harry Latham-Coyle at the MCG:
The sight of Jac Morgan’s arrival is greeted with a huge roar by the Lions fans in attendance at the MCG, the flanker a popular figure among the many Welshmen and women here and plenty of those from the other constituent unions, too. He’s got a job to do here - Tom Curry, who he has replaced, has been immense in the tourists’ fightback, with his last act a vital retreating tackle. Ellis Genge and James Ryan are on, too.
Australia 26-17 Lions
12:23 , Ciara Fearn55 mins: What a tackle! Gleeson and McReight break through the Lions’ defence setting up what looks like a sure try for Suaalii.
But Tom Curry produces a stunning try-saving tackle forcing a knock-on and a crucial turnover.
Penalty! Australia 26-17 Lions (Tom Lynagh)
12:22 , Ciara Fearn53 mins: Australia extends their lead as Tom Lynagh calmly converts a penalty rewarding their early dominance in the second half.
Australia’s attack has evolved - after a straightforward first half, they’re now mixing in passes both inside and out forcing every defender to stay alert.
Australia 23-17 Lions
12:20 , Ciara Fearn52 mins: Australia steps up the pressure as McDermott breaks through, only to be stopped by a crucial tap-tackle from Itoje.
Holding a penalty advantage the Wallabies test the Lions’ defence before the referee brings play back for the original penalty.
Australia 23-17 Lions
12:19 , Ciara Fearn50 mins: The Lions look to clear from a scrum inside their 22, but Russell sends it out on the full gifting the Wallabies both territory and possession.
Australia 23-17 Lions
12:16 , Ciara Fearn48 mins: Another key change for Australia as Will Skelton makes way for Jeremy Williams. With both Valetini and Skelton now off the Wallabies lose two of their main enforcers.
Australia 23-27 Lions
12:15 , Ciara Fearn48 mins: The Wallabies are kicking smartly and keeping the Lions pinned in their own half as well as piling on pressure in search of an error.
Australia 23-17 Lions
12:13 , Ciara Fearn46 mins: Brilliant from Keenan - he somehow drags a kick back from the brink then launches a massive clearance downfield. Without that, the Lions were staring at a five-metre line-out.
Australia 23-17 Lions
12:11 , Jack Rathborn
Australia 23-17 Lions
12:10 , Ciara Fearn41 mins: Subs: A major setback for the Wallabies as Valetini, Slipper and Alaalatoa don’t return after the break.
Langi Gleeson steps in for Valetini in the back row, while Angus Bell and Tom Robertson take over in the front row for the outgoing props.
Jonny Sexton speaking to Sky Sports:
12:09 , Ciara Fearn"They had some good moments, we knew they would, that's what Test match rugby is all about. We're back in it and need to go out there and get the first score of the half.
“Last 10 minutes, we need to hold the ball better, we gave them too much access in the first half."
Kick-off! Australia 23-17 Lions
12:08 , Ciara FearnWe’re back underway at the MCG. Can Australia hold on and set up a decider in Sydney or will the Lions finish the comeback and wrap up the series?
A brilliant first half
12:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the MCGHarry Latham-Coyle reports from the MCG:
“Whew! That was quite the half, contested with ridiculous intensity and captivating a raucous crowd. We expected a Wallabies backlash and Australia delivered, lifting the physicality having been much too passive a week ago - Will Skelton has led the charge and the rest of the forward pack have really proved a point.
“But full credit to the Lions for re-steeling themselves and getting back in touch before the interval, giving the thick rings of red-shirted fans around the MCG plenty to cheer. Let’s hope for more of the same in the second half.”
Half-time! Australia 23-17 Lions
11:55 , Ciara FearnA knock-on brings an end to a breathless first half. The Wallabies took charge with a flurry of tries from Slipper, Gordon and Wright, but the Lions hit back through Sheehan, Curry and Jones to stay in the fight.
Classic Test rugby and there’s still another 40 minutes to come.
TRY! Australia 23-17 Lions (Jones)
11:51 , Ciara Fearn38 mins: TRY! After sustained pressure near the Wallabies' line, Huw Jones breaks through tackles from Jorgensen and McDermott to score. Russell adds the extras, cutting the gap to six.
TRY! Australia 23-10 Lions (Curry)
11:49 , Jack RathbornThe Lions hit back, you can barely breathe in this half without another huge blow landed from either side.
Curry scurries down the right and finds room to score. Impressive move and response.
Now the Lions are on top with just three minutes left in the half.
TRY! Australia 23-5 Lions (Wright)
11:42 , Jack RathbornOh my goodness, this is quite astonishing.
It is **rocking** at the MCG, Freeman leaves the hole and Sua'ali'i is gone!
He offloads to Tom Wright to complete a breathtaking try, it’s Wright’s 11th try for the Aussies. The gap widens, 23-5.
The arms outstretched from Wright, are you not entertained!?
Wallabies drown him in wild celebrations, and the home crowd just love this. There are still eight minutes remaining in this stunning first half.
TRY! Australia 16-5 Lions (Gordon)
11:39 , Jack RathbornRemarkable, Australia with a quick-fire double, and it’s Jake Gordon!
The Lions’ pack is condensed and Gordon sliced through them like a knife through butter.
His fourth Wallabies try and this place has erupted. The Lions are in big, big trouble here.
Australia 11-5 Lions - Freeman sent to the sin-bin
11:35 , Jack RathbornTommy Freeman is sent to the sin-bin, which signals how the Lions have lost their discipline here.
Tom Lynagh missed the extras to limit the damage though. What a start from the hosts.
TRY! Australia 11-5 Lions (Slipper)
11:33 , Jack RathbornJames Slipper! He’s over, the big man buries himself low to snatch the score, his fourth for the Wallabies in 146 caps.
Remarkable response from a powerful, imposing Wallabies.
The Lions rocked!
Lions 5 - 6 Australia
11:30 , Jack RathbornPotter is hurt for the Wallabies, he has anguish across his face, he knows he’s done for the day as he stumbles off.
This could expose the hosts, McDermott sent on. Resignation for Potter. But the Wallabies have a lineout on the 22 and begin to plot another heavy assault on the Lions.
Skelto is imposing, now a big call for the hosts, do they kick?
Valetini has just sent Porter sprawling, immense power.
Dreadful news for Australia
11:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the MCGHarry Latham-Coyle reports from the MCG on a selection gamble that has backfired:
This is looking like nightmare-ish news for Australia - Harry Potter has hurt his hamstring and is trudging off in serious discomfort! The Wallabies went without outside back cover on a six/two bench - replacement scrum half Tate McDermott will have to go 60 minutes on the left wing. That’s the risk you take by loading up with forwards...
Try! Lions 5 (Sheehan) - 6 Australia
11:25 , Ciara Fearn16 mins: Dan Sheehan quickly taps and powers through several tackles to score. Despite protests from Australia the referee confirms his jump was legal, so the try stands.
However, Russell misses the conversion he’d hoped to make leaving Australia with a one-point lead.
NO try! Lions 0-6 Australia
11:21 , Ciara Fearn15 mins: No try! The Lions decide to forgo the easy three points, kicking to the corner to push for a try. After a powerful surge from Aki breaks the defensive line, Jack Conan crashes over the try line and the crowd erupts.
But the moment is cut short as the officials rule Conan knocked on just before grounding the ball. However, Australia’s offside in the build-up means the try is disallowed and the Lions are awarded a penalty instead - giving them another chance to apply pressure close to the line. It’s a rollercoaster moment that keeps the tension high.
Lions 0-6 Australia
11:19 , Ciara Fearn13 mins: The Wallabies struggle again at the restart as the Lions trap the ball forcing a turnover and earning a scrum just outside Australia’s 22.
Gibson-Park quickly breaks into the Wallabies’ 22. Shortly after, Furlong knocks on and a late hit by Skelton on the prop triggers a scuffle between both teams.
Penalty! Lions 0-6 Australia
11:17 , Ciara Fearn10 mins: Australia earns another penalty at the breakdown after Tom Curry is penalised for not releasing Suaalii before trying to steal the ball.
Lynagh steps up for another kick in front of the posts and extends Australia’s lead to six.
Lions 0-3 Australia
11:15 , Ciara Fearn8 mins: Tom Lynagh’s early clearances are effective now pushing the Wallabies deep into Lions territory.
Every collision at the minute is going the Wallabies way.
Lions 0-3 Australia
11:13 , Ciara Fearn6 mins: Russell shows sharp awareness with a kick into touch deep in Wallabies territory. It gives Australia a five-metre line-out which they handle, but the Lions almost capitalised on that brief lapse.
Will Skelton’s already making waves as he’s dominating rucks and crashing defenders, exactly what Schmidt wants.
Rob Valetini makes presence known
11:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle at the MCGIt’s been an electric start at the MCG and our Rugby Correspondent Harry Latham-Coyle is in the stadium with his latest analysis:
We are only in these opening skirmishes here at the MCG but already the difference that Rob Valetini makes is clear. The flanker has been utilised early and often in these first few minutes and won the gainline each time he has carried - he’s such a vital cog for this Wallabies team.
Penalty! Lions 0-3 Australia (Tom Lynagh)
11:11 , Ciara Fearn5 mins: Tom Lynagh calmly slots an early penalty to put Australia ahead.
The Lions are struggling to make contact, while Australia is building strong momentum - a fantastic start for the home side.
Lions 0-0 Australia
11:09 , Ciara Fearn3 mins: Australia earns the first penalty after Maro Itoje is judged to have stripped the ball from Skelton post-tackle.
A long line-out launch frees Valetini as the Wallabies apply heavy pressure. They’re coming strong early forcing an offside penalty against the Lions.
Lions 0-0 Australia
11:07 , Ciara Fearn1 min: Early nerves for the Wallabies as they let the kick-off bounce. A Lions touch gives Australia the line-out and Will Skelton charges forward to relieve the pressure.
Kick-off! Lions 0-0 Australia
11:05 , Ciara FearnThe second Test is underway at the MCG! Will the Lions seal the series early or will Australia push for a decider in Sydney?
Referee Andrea Piardi signals the start and Finn Russell kicks off.
Australia face must-win Test against Lions in rain at raucous MCG
11:04 , Jack Rathborn
Kick-off approaching
11:03 , Ciara FearnThe Lions are on the verge of securing back-to-back series wins for the first time in the professional era. A win would see the Lions win the first two Tests of a series for the first time since 1997.
Captains Maro Itoje and Harry Wilson lead the Lions and the Wallabies out. Following a dazzling light display in the vast MCG, both teams are on the pitch with the intensity of warriors entering an ancient arena.
Now, it’s time for the Australian national anthem - Advance Australia Fair.
Where the second Test could be decided..
10:56 , Ciara FearnWith big names like Skelton and Valetini returning the Wallabies will aim to win the collision battle after being outmuscled in Brisbane.
The breakdown will be key. If the Lions can control the tempo and get quick ball they’ll create chances. But if Australia slows them down and dominates contact, momentum could shift quickly.
Discipline and kicking will also be crucial. Expect both teams to play for territory - the side that gives away fewer penalties and controls the aerial game could take control.
Midfield is another area to watch. Bundee Aki starts at 12 for the Lions and will look to punch holes, but Australia have pace and flair out wide, especially if Jorgensen gets space to run.
I’m most looking forward to the Wallabies' response. They’ve been bruised, but they’ve had a look at what works - bring aggression, stay in the fight and they’ve got a shot.
If the Lions finish strong and keep composure late on they could seal it. But don’t rule out a gritty Australian response to force a decider.
Australia v British & Irish Lions
10:48 , Jack Rathborn
Second Test match officials
10:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleMatch officials for second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita)
Assistant Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Geo) & Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
Television Match Official: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
Foul Play Review Officer: Marius Jonker (SA)
Australia vs Lions referee: Who is second Test official Andrea Piardi?
Can Australia make the breakdown a battle?
10:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleA large part of the Lions’ struggles on this tour have been down to their inaccurate breakdown work, the ruck detail and intent in their carry not quite there in some of the games in the lead-up to the Test series. They got things spot on in Brisbane, though, not allowing Fraser McReight and co to spoil their ball and thus being able to play with pace and purpose.
It feels vital for the Wallabies to make that area more messy tonight.
Harry Wilson vows Wallabies will bounce back in second Test
10:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleHarry Wilson insists Australia are determined to show their true selves when they attempt to take their series against the British and Irish Lions to a decider in Sydney.
The Wallabies were overpowered 27-19 in the first Test but have been reinforced for today’s rematch at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by the return from injury of imposing forwards Rob Valetini and Will Skelton.
Wilson, Australia’s captain and number eight, believes his team will grow stronger having faced the Lions once already.
“There’s no denying it, we’ve got to go out there and win. We’ve got to win the next two to win the series,” Wilson said.
“It feels as if we probably didn’t play the sort of footy we wanted to in the first Test and didn’t fire as many shots as we would have liked.”
Team news - Lions
10:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Lions are without Joe McCarthy after the lock sustained a foot injury during the first Test, with Ollie Chessum promoted from the bench to partner captain Maro Itoje. Bundee Aki comes in to midfield at the expense of the unfortunate Sione Tuipulotu, born in Melbourne but out with a tight hamstring. Garry Ringrose had been due to be stationed at outside centre but stood himself down after experiencing lingering symptoms of a concussion.
Andrew Porter is preferred to Ellis Genge as the starting loosehead. Andy Farrell freshens up his bench after the unit failed to fire in Brisbane: James Ryan, Jac Morgan, Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn come in after starting the midweek win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV.
Lions XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Finn Russell; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jac Morgan; 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Blair Kinghorn.
Ready for Saturday night at the G! 🦁#Lions2025
— British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 24, 2025
Team news - Australia
10:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleAustralia are bolstered by the availability of Will Skelton, David Porecki and Rob Valetini, who all add quality and size to Joe Schmidt’s forward pack. The Wallabies backline is unchanged from the first Test as Tom Lynagh is backed again at fly half.
On the bench, Langi Gleeson is another welcome returnee as one of six forwards readied to make an impact. Tate McDermott, impressive in the first Test, and Ben Donaldson provide backline cover.
Australia XV: 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton; 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Carlo Tizzano; 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Ben Donaldson.
Our team. Your team 🦘
— Wallabies (@wallabies) July 24, 2025
Read more: https://t.co/IOfTpYfc2f#Wallabies #LionsTour2025 pic.twitter.com/TrR7KRgpq3
Can Melbourne learn to love the Wallabies? Inside Australian rugby union’s fight for eyeballs in AFL heartland
09:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis feels like a pivotal occasion for this Austrlaian side, with Melbourne far from rugby union country. AFL dominates here, leaving the public perhaps needing an inspiring Wallabies performance to really get behind Joe Schmidt’s team:
