Beirne scores crucial second half try as Lions come from behind to snatch series in dramatic fashion
Tadhg Beirne scores a crucial second half for the Lions as they came from behind to beat Australia in Melbourne Photo: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
After a man of the match display in the first test, Tadhg Beirne was again to the fore as the British & Irish Lions snatched a late win over Australia to secure a series win.
The Lions were 26-17 behind with just over 20 minutes remaining then James Lowe offloaded to Beirne in the left hand corner deep inside the Australian 22. There were still three defenders between Beirne and the line, however, and a lot of work still to be done.
The big Eadestown man stepped in from the left wing and past the flailing arms of Max Jorgenson before powering through the challenges of Tom Wright and Fraser McReight on the Australian line.
That put the Lions within touching distance of Australia but victory wasn't secured until the final minute when Australia finally caved in in the face of an onslaught from the Lions and Hugo Keenan capitalised on a gap to go over the line and score a famous winning try in a 29-26 win.
The Lions now have a chance to complete a whitewash series win in the third test next Saturday in Sydney.
