British Irish Lions Clinch 2025 Series Over Australia After Controversial Second Test

The British and Irish Lions secured a dramatic 29-26 victory over Australia in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, clinching the series with a chance to complete a historic whitewash. Hugo Keenan scored the last-gasp winning try after a controversial ruck clear-out by Lions' replacement Jac Morgan, a decision heavily criticized by Australia’s head coach Joe Schmidt and former player Morgan Turinui as undermining player safety and the laws of the game. The Lions celebrated exuberantly in their dressing room, while the Australian team expressed frustration and disappointment, with captain Harry Wilson and Schmidt reflecting on the narrow defeat. The Lions' victory also brought a significant economic boost to Melbourne, with over $20 million spent in accommodation, food, retail, and entertainment, marking a record crowd of more than 90,000 for a Wallabies-Lions match. Social media and commentators showed a divided reaction to the refereeing decision, with British and Irish Lions fans defending the call and Australian fans and media viewing it as contentious. Despite the controversy, the Lions are undefeated on their 2025 tour and now aim for a clean sweep in the final Test.