Second Test: Australia 26-29 British & Irish Lions
Lions roar back to make history with 2-0 series lead
Nothing much in rugby tastes sweeter than victory in a British & Irish Lions series. It is the rarity value that makes it extra special and, before kick-off, just one touring side since 1997 had enjoyed the ultimate buzz. Hence the massed roars of pent-up joy and relief at the final whistle when Maro Itoje’s squad officially secured their lofty status in Lions history.
While there is still one last Test to be played, in Sydney next Saturday, the Lions hold an unassailable 2-0 lead and can for ever bask in a collective golden glow. But those bare facts do not remotely tell the full story of a memorable contest in front of a record crowd for a Lions Test of just over 90,000, mostly red-clad, spectators.
At one stage the Lions were trailing 23-5, stunned by three Wallaby tries inside nine minutes. For a moment they resembled tourists caught in a rip tide with the safety of the beach fast receding as Australia, almost unrecognisable from the previous week, pounded relentlessly away at them and exposed previously unseen frailties.
