Last-gasp try gives the British and Irish Lions a 29-26 win over the Wallabies to clinch test series

MELBOURNE, Australia – In a pulsating encounter that will be etched into the annals of rugby history, the British and Irish Lions secured an electrifying 29-26 victory over the Wallabies on Saturday, clinching the test series in a dramatic climax. A contentious last-minute try from Hugo Keenan, following an extraordinary comeback, silenced the vast majority of the 90,000-strong crowd at Melbourne’s iconic stadium, leaving Australian fans stunned and Lions supporters in raptures. This epic second test solidified the Lions' dominance, securing the series 2-0 after their earlier triumph.

The Wallabies, desperate to level the series and force a decider, started the match with ferocious intent, dominating territory and possession for large periods. Their powerful scrum and incisive backline play saw them establish a commanding lead, pushing ahead by as much as 26-15 deep into the second half. It appeared for all money that the series would head to a winner-takes-all third test. However, the Lions, renowned for their resilience and never-say-die attitude, refused to yield. A surge of momentum, fueled by tactical substitutions and a renewed defensive intensity, saw them claw their way back into contention, chipping away at the deficit with a penalty and a converted try, setting the stage for an unforgettable finale.

As the clock wound down, with the score precariously poised at 26-22 in favour of the home side, the Lions launched one final, desperate assault. Phase after phase, they battered the Wallabies' defensive line, inching closer to the try line amidst a cacophony of noise. With mere seconds remaining, a quick pass found Hugo Keenan on the wing, who somehow managed to dot down in the corner amidst a tangle of bodies. The try, however, was immediately shrouded in controversy, with replays suggesting a potential forward pass in the build-up and a debatable grounding. After an agonizingly long review by the Television Match Official, the referee's arm eventually went up, confirming the try and sending a wave of jubilation through the Lions’ contingent and utter despair through the Wallaby faithful.