Australian officials demand explanation over Lions’ controversial last-gasp try

Row escalates after Lions’ first series win in 12 years

Waugh backs criticism from Wallabies’ coach Schmidt

Australian rugby officials want an explanation of the decision to award the British & Irish Lions a last-gasp series-clinching try against the Wallabies at the MCG on Saturday.

Phil Waugh, the Rugby Australia chief executive, has called for accountability following Hugo Keenan’s 80th-minute try in an escalating row after the Lions’ first series win in 12 years.

After the final whistle Joe Schmidt, the Wallabies head coach, pointed the finger at the match officials and, while he is expected to escape an official sanction from World Rugby, it is understood the governing body has taken a dim view of the New Zealander’s post-match comments, with one senior source believing Andrea Piardi got the decision correct.