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The British and Irish Lions wrapped up the series with a 29-26 win over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and boy were there plenty of opinions flying around.
The British and Irish Lions wrapped up the series with a 29-26 win over Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and boy were there plenty of opinions flying around.
Hugo Keenan scored the winning try that means the Lions can complete a 3-0 whitewash when the teams reconvene at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Saturday.
However, much of the focus was on Lions flanker Jac Morgan’s clear out on Carlo Tizzano in the build-up to the try. Referee Andrea Picardi asked the Television Match Official (TMO) to see if Morgan committed offence, and after deliberating the try was allowed to stand.
It was a dramatic end to a match that had produced thrills galore and an intensity that lived up to its billing.
Australia led 23-5 at one point in the first half, but the Lions scored twice late in the half to close the gap. The Wallabies stretched their lead after the break, but it was Lions who scored all the points after the 53rd minute.
It wasn’t the only rugby being talked about this week, and here’s ATR’s favourite lines of the last seven days.
“You don't think about scoring the winner, especially with my try-scoring record I was the last one on the team. It was off the back of countless phases and people working incredibly hard. It will be one I savour forever.”
ATR doubt they will forger it either, Hugo Keenan:
“I thought it was a brilliant clear-out. I can understand being on the other side of the fence. I thought Jac was brilliant when he came on.
“These lads have dreamed of being Lions all their lives and to come to MCG with 90,000 people and win it with a dramatic finish, it's what dreams are made of. We are absolutely delighted. We showed the courage.”
A happy Lions head coach Andy Farrell backs his man Jac Morgan:
“We felt it was a decision that doesn't live up to the player safety push they're talking about. Read the law. We just have to accept it. It is what it is. But we've watched the replay several times.
“You only have to look at law 9.20. A player who dives off his feet, beaten to the position, makes head contact. It was a tough one to take.”
Aussie head coach Joe Schmidt didn’t agree with Farrell and argues his case:
“I was a little bit nervous, I won’t lie.”
Jac Morgan was every Lions fan as the TMO did his work:
“We’re a weird bunch and we complement each other in different ways. We’ve had such a good unit, and we’ve built some serious bonds.”
Lions prop Ellis Genge shares the front row love with the world:
“We have our legacy with the Six Nations and the World Cup, but we have to be thinking about what we can do within our hands. The Lions and France have the same destiny, we cannot live apart, we have to build something new.”
Oh, la la, French Rugby Federation (FFR) vice-president Abdel Benazzi wants the Lions to stay local:
“A lot of these boys are fringe Wallabies players and aspiring to try to get back in the squad. You see tonight man, when you’re playing for your culture, it brings something out of you.”
First Nations & Pasifika XV try-scorer Rob Leota wants at crack at the Wallabies:
“Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential, but also the galvanising effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman.”
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Abi Tierney explains why Steve Tandy was given the top job:
“After many incredible years with Los Pumas, the time has come to close this era. I decided to take a step away from the test team. The distance from my wife and children has become increasingly more difficult, and today they are my priority.”
Argentina wing Santiago Cordero won’t be forgotten in retirement, just ask Lions fans:
“We’re not going to the World Cup to take photos with (Siya) Kolisi.”
Zimbabwe’s Brandon Mudzekenyedzi won’t be chasing the World Cup winning skipper:
“A lot of turnovers, and particularly when the Lions went wide. They find space on the fringes. But sometimes when they get caught out there because of that, they sometimes can be a bit vulnerable to turnovers.”
Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen know where he’d target the Lions:
“When we first met, Faz [Andy Farrell] made the call that we want to come out here and win. Don't get me wrong we'll enjoy tonight but we want to win 3-0.”
Lions captain Maro Itoje doesn’t want to go too hard with the celebrations: