British and Irish Lions seal series win after dramatic last-gasp victory over Australia
Updated 26/07/2025 at 14:48 GMT+1
Australia and the British and Irish Lions face off in the second Test of the series, with the two sides set to tangle again at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Lions can seal the series with a game to spare, but the Wallabies have several key players returning to the squad and are primed to fight back and level the series one apiece.
'It's going to be a hell of a test' - Lions coach Farrell eyes series clincher at the MCG
Video credit: SNTV
LIONS CLINCH SERIES VICTORY WITH INCREDIBLE SECOND TEST COMEBACK IN MELBOURNE
The British & Irish Lions clinched the series with a last-minute try from Hugo Keenan, winning a classic Test match in front of more than 90,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The win was in jeopardy as the TMO checked Jac Morgan's clear-out at the breakdown before Keenan's score, producing a nail-biting and tense end.
Morgan's clear-out was deemed legal and Keenan's try stood, and the Lions players screamed in delight as they finished an incredible comeback to win the series 2-0.
With the series on the line for the Wallabies, Joe Schmidt's side came out roaring and produced an incredible first-half performance, taking a 23-5 lead with an explosion of tries and attacking flair.
Rob Valetini and Will Skelton, who were absent in the first Test, spearheaded the Wallabies' charge and put the Lions on the back foot.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Lions players celebrate winning the second test of the series between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Tom Lynagh added penalties in between scores from James Slipper, Jake Gordon and Tom Wright. The latter two both struck while Lions wing Tommy Freeman was in the sin bin.
After Freeman returned to the fray and the numbers were equal, the Lions began their dramatic comeback through Dan Sheehan, before Tom Curry and Huw Jones both scored to cut the lead to six points.
The Wallabies attempted to steady the game throughout the second half, aware of the Lions gaining momentum.
Lynagh added another penalty to make the score 26-17, but Tadhg Beirne scored in the corner.
Russell narrowed the lead to two, and Keenan produced a theatrical end with his late score to settle the game.
GENGE: 'WE WERE IN DRIVER'S SEAT
Ellis Genge: "I've been involved in a lot of tight losses. Actually we had one in November last year to Australia. So I know how that feels, and I can hand on heart say that for 90% of that game, probably 95%, I felt like we were in the driver's seat. Even when we were conceding some easy points.
"There's enough in this team to win this game regardless of what the score is. It's a confident group.
"3-0 is massive. We spoke about it being the first Lions team to go back-to-back and we've achieved that, we need something else to chase. But first things first and everyone knows we've got to enjoy tonight."
"3-0 is massive. We spoke about it being the first Lions team to go back-to-back and we've achieved that, we need something else to chase. But first things first and everyone knows we've got to enjoy tonight."
KEENAN: A MOMENT 'I'LL SAVOUR'
Hugo Keenan: "It's class, a bit surreal. Just absolutely delighted. You can see what it means to the players, to the backroom staff, to the lads who didn't get the opportunity to play, to our families, it's a really special moment.
"We knew we had it in us at half-time. We had clawed it back and Faz still believed in us.
"It was the grit, the determination, it was how many phases in that last set of plays. The lads stepping up, some unbelievable moments. It's one of the reasons you do this.
"Absolutely delighted. It was off the back of countless number of phases. It was a pretty cool moment and one I'll savour."
FURLONG: 'THE BEST WAY TO WIN GAMES'
"You don't want to win games like that but it's the best way to win them. The kind of elation. I'm delighted, over the moon.
"We definitely lost the battle of the gainline in the first half. They came around the corner and chopped into us, we didn't move quick enough.
"It is a little bit emotional. The Lions have played a massive part in my career. As a rugby player, it's shaped the way I play the game or think about the game. I know this Lions tour is me closing the book on the Lions, and I don't want it to end. It's a great group, it's a special thing being a Lion. We have a week left to enjoy, but I kind of don't want it to end, as much as I want to go home and see my family."
FARRELL: 'I WAS SCREAMING PASS IT'
Andy Farrell: "It's amazing. The occasion and the fans all travelling out here. They deserve a grand slam finish like that. This is what Lions rugby is all about. Absolutely delighted for everyone who made the effort.
"It wasn't too great in the first half, especially how we started in comparison to last week. Back-to-back penalties, yellow cards - very costly on the scoreboard. But we found a way to get back into the game and that gave us the confidence to stay in the game and take the game to them in the second half.
"It wasn't too great in the first half, especially how we started in comparison to last week. Back-to-back penalties, yellow cards - very costly on the scoreboard. But we found a way to get back into the game and that gave us the confidence to stay in the game and take the game to them in the second half.
"What a finish. I was screaming 'pass it, pass it' to Hugo but he was never gonna pass it was he? Have a think about what he's been through and where we've got to. He's scoring the winning try at the death."
ITOJE: FARRELL EXPERIENCE 'AMAZING'
"It's been amazing," Itoje said. "He's obviously a very talented coach. He's done loads of good everywhere he's gone. It's been great, him, all the coaching staff, they've all been great, the backroom staff too.
"Obviously we're delighted and we're gonna celebrate this win. You know and I know we have so much more in us. Hopefully next week we have an opportunity to bring it all together."
ITOJE: 'IT FEELS SURREAL'
"It feels a little surreal," Maro Itoje said after the win. "The first 20 minutes of the first half, we weren't great. We weren't physical enough. We managed to find a way in the second half of the first half.
"Then the second half again, it wasn't perfect, but we just managed to fight. We got close and Andy was just telling us, 'Let's play big. Believe in ourselves.' I give a load of credit to the bench. All the guys that came on made a massive difference.
"It sounds pretty basic to say, but we started hitting, our scrum got on top. Our decision makers, Finn, Faz, Jam at nine, they started playing the game really well. We just managed to stay close enough and scored in the end."
FULL-TIME! AUSTRALIA 26-29 LIONS
The British & Irish Lions win the series in the second Test with an incredible, awe-inspiring comeback. They wanted a clean sweep and 3-0 is within distance. A historic performance at the famous MCG and this match was on a completely different level.
80' TRY IS FINE!
No foul play from Morgan and he's embraced by Lions players in relief. What a finish. Owen Farrell and co scream in delight. Russell misses but no one cares. The Lions win the series.
80' THEY'RE CHECKING
Harry Wilson is screaming at the referee to check something, which looks like a hit on Tizzano.
It's Morgan's clearout that they're looking at.
79' TRY! AUSTRALIA 26-29 LIONS
THE LIONS CLINCH THE SERIES AT THE DEATH! Keenan dives over after a frantic series of phases and looks to have tied up the series for the Lions.
They're just checking something...
77' WALLABIES SLOW IT DOWN
Lynagh clears well and does even better to catch Keenan's return kick as Freeman pressures him. Gordon slows it down and makes an excellent long clearance from the ruck.
75' CAN LIONS CLINCH THE SERIES?
We're entering crunch time here. Lions hit the Wallabies backline off the back of the scrum but a wall of gold swallows their carries and the Lions lose the ball again. Bundee Aki looks hurt with cramp but he's carrying on. Wallabies scrum.
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70' 10 MINS TO GO
What a contest. Kinghorn turns the jets and weaves his way through Australia with a mazy run. The Wallabies win a penalty in their own 22 and boot it to touch. There's 10 minutes to go and this game is getting intense.
69' LIONS REPLACEMENTS CONTROLLING SCRUM
The Lions win another scrum penalty and the replacements are really controlling that area of the game now.
64' SHEEHAN AND FURLONG MAKEWAY
64' TIZZANO MAKES HUGE STEAL
Carlos Tizzano stops possibly another Lions try with an incredible turnover penalty on his own line.
62' FARRELL AND KINGHORN ON
Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn enter the fray.
59' TRY! AUSTRALIA 26-24 LIONS
The Lions were rolling in that period. Bundee Aki burst through the middle and some beautiful handling from the backline laid the groundwork for some heavy carries off Russell and Gibson-Park.
After his standout performance in the first Test Tadhg Beirne reaches over in the corner through three Wallabies and scores. Russell adds the extras and it's a two-point game.
56' MORGAN ON FOR CURRY
That was Curry's last contribution as he makes way for Jac Morgan.
Ellis Genge and James Ryan are also on for Porter and Chessum.
55' LIONS PENALTY COUNT CREEPING UP
Wallabies were threatening again with Fraser McReight breaking the line, but unfortunately Sua'ali'i drops the ball in the tackle and loses a try-scoring chance.
The Lions penalty count is creeping up and they need to rein in their discipline. They're lucky Curry was on hand to bring down Sua'ali'i.
53' PENALTY! AUSTRALIA 26-17 LIONS
Lynagh slots another. Lions were eating up Australia's carries in the 22 but were unable to keep their hands out of the ruck, and Lynagh extends the lead by three.
50' RUSSELL MAKES A RARE ERROR
A rare error from Russell as his kick flies out on the full and the Lions lose precious territory. Wallabies are back on the edge of the Lions 22 and have the chance to stamp themselves back on his game.
48' SKELTON DEPARTS
Big Will Skelton is the next to depart, and suddenly the Wallabies are without their two big linchpins in the pack. He looks exhausted but walking gingerly also, perhaps a calf issue. Jeremy Williams comes on.
46' AUSTRALIA 23-17 LIONS
Keenan does really well to prevent another 50-22 before launching a massive clearance downfield.
40' WALLABIES REPLACEMENTS
Big move as Rob Valetini departs at half-time. Planned or injured? Langi Gleeson comes on for him.
Props Angus Bell and Tom Robertson are on fpr James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa.
40' KICK-OFF! AUSTRALIA 23-17 LIONS
What will the second half bring?
THOUGHTS OF SEXTON
Johnny Sexton gave his half-time thoughts, saying: "We gave them some access with our ill-discipline so we need to rectify that in the second half. They had some great moments in the first Test as well.
"We've pulled ourselves back into it, the lads have showed a great reaction and we need to go out there and get the first points of the second half.
"We've got to hold the ball a little bit better, keep our disicpline. When we're doing that we look pretty impressive don't we?
WHAT A HALF OF RUGBY
What an incredible half of rugby. The next half is going to be tough, intense, and entertaining.
The bench for both sides is going to be pivotal.
One wonders if we may even see Owen Farrell make his mark on the series...
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Tom Curry of the British & Irish Lions goes over to score his teams second try during the second test of the series between Australia Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
HALF TIME! AUSTRALIA 23-17 LIONS
What a half of Test rugby. Six tries between the two sides and three apiece. Wallabies were threatening to completely run away with it at 23-5 but the Lions have fired back in the final 10 mins of the half.
Some sublime scores and devastating carries. We have epic game on our hands here at the MCG.
37' TRY! AUSTRALIA 23-17 LIONS
Dear lord this match is exploding. Every visit the Lions have had in the Wallabies 22 results in a score. This is a big one and takes the tourists within six points.
Huw Jones takes advantage of some weak shoulders and crashes over from short range.
34' TRY! AUSTRALIA 23-10 LIONS
Bit of a tryfest this now as Tom Curry crosses in the corner. It's not quite over for the Lions but they need a big push here.
30' TRY! AUSTRALIA 23-5 LIONS
WHAT A TRY. Whitewash? What whitewash? Wright caps off a remarkable try that absolutely bamboozeld the Lions defence. Joseph Sua'ali'i does what he does best and glides through the centre of the Lions defence and passes to Wright, who speeds in from just over 40 metres. Wow.
28' TRY! AUSTRALIA 18-5 LIONS
The MCG is ROCKING and Australia are firmly on top of this Test. Gordon slips through several players on the inside of the ruck and glides over.
The Wallabies have been incredible off nine and completely dominating the ruck area and its surroundings. Aggressive and efficient and they have the points to prove it.
26' 50-22 FROM AUSTRALIA!
What a kick from Tom Wright to give Australia a huge foothold back in the Lions 22.
23' TRY! AUSTRALIA 11-5 LIONS
James Slipper is over and gets his fourth try in 146 caps! Strong and powerful response from the Wallabies to the Lions try.
Tommy Freeman is sent to the sin-bin as a cumulative result of poor Lions discipline.
20' POTTER COMES OFF EARLY
The Aussies' 6-2 split is going to get tested as Harry Potter is off and scrum-half Tate McDermott is on in his stead on the wing.
16' TRY! AUSTRALIA 6-5 LIONS
The tourists get their try and Dan Sheehan leaps over a Wallabies tackle to dive over from a quick tap, which he is allowed to do in the act of scoring.
Russell disappointingly misses the conversion and Australia have a one-point lead.
A great response from the Lions however after a strong start from the hosts.
14' NO TRY! AUSTRALIA 6-0 LIONS
Lions turn down three points and go to the corner and they seem to score, but there's knock-on and several offisdes in the build up and the score is chalked off.
They take a tap penalty though...
10' AUSTRALIA 6-0 LIONS
Another penalty for Australia and Lynagh just edges it inside of the right post. Great start for the Wallabies, but they instantly conceded a scrum at the kick-off and Lions have their chance to get on the board.
8' HOSTS HANDLING LIONS' KICKING WELL
The Lions are going for the sky at every opportunity but the Wallabies backfield are handling it well. They seem completely undeterred in these opening 10 minutes.
4' AUSTRALIA 0-3 LIONS
Big impact already from Australia's big men in the pack to win a penalty at the ruck, and Lynagh coolly slots it to open the scoring.
2' FIRST PENALTY GOES WALLABIES' WAY
Only two minutes but already a much better start for the hosts. Will Skelton crashes into Maro Itoje and the Lions are deemed off their feet at the ruck.
Tom Lynagh kicks into touch and Australia start their march.
1' KICK-OFF
Wallabies don't take the kick-off cleanly and it bounces out but off a Lions player.
Wallabies take a short throw and Dave Porecki makes a short burst up the blindside, allowing the hosts to clear easily.
HERE WE GO!
The Lions get us underway in Melbourne!
A big game needs big performances, who is going to stand out today?
THE PLAYERS ARE OUT
The players emerge enveloped by sound and light and fireworks as the iconic MCG erupts with noise.
We're minutes away from the start of the second Test. Will the Wallabies pull it back or will the Lions win it here?
The Australian national anthem is about to be belted out.
WHY IS RINGROSE NOT PLAYING?
Garry Ringrose was selected for the second British & Irish Lions Test against Australia but withdrew after feeling the effects of a concussion.
In for the Lions come Bundee Aki and Ollie Chessum, while Owen Farrell and Jac Morgan feature on the bench for the huge clash at the MCG in Melbourne on Saturday.
LIONS TEAM NEWS
The Lions lose Joe McCarthy after the lock suffered a foot injury in the first Test, and Ollie Chessum is promoted to partner Maro Itoje in the pack. With Sione Tuipulotu unfortunately out due to a hamstring issue, Bundee Aki comes into the midfield after Garry Ringrose stood himself down due to concussion symptons.
Andrew Porter starts at loosehead instead of Ellis Genge, and a refreshed bench sees James Ryan, Jac Morgan, Owen Farrell and Blair Kinghorn come.
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.
WALLABIES TEAM NEWS
Australia have a huge boost in the form of Will Skelton, David Porecki and Rob Valetini, who all slot straight into the pack and will give Schmidt some much needed size and power to the forward pack. The Wallabies backline is unchanged from the first game with Tom Lynagh back at fly half.
Jake Gordon starts again at nine, with Tate McDermott, who impressed in the first Test, ready to make an impact.
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.
WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK?
Let's take a look at last week's Test, where the Lions survived a second-half fight from the Wallabies to go 1-0 in the series.
After a first half dominated by the tourists, Australia showed just enough fight in the latter stages to give them and Joe Schmidt hope for today's Test.
GOOD MORNING
Hello and welcome to TNT Sports' live text coverage of the second Test between the British & Irish Lions and Australia, live from the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Andy Farrell's side could wrap up the series today with a win at the iconic MCG, where a huge attendance is expected.
But can the Wallabies, led by the colossal return of Will Skelton, get one back and send the series to a decider?
Kick-off is at 11:00 BST.
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