The Lions could have secured their first series whitewash since 1927
Long before the British and Irish Lions' searing experience in Sydney had concluded - a night of rugby drama, biblical weather, horrible injury and delays because of lightning warnings in the distance - a statistic was passed around the stadium concerning the gigantic Will Skelton.
The lock, who is about the size of one normal human being standing on the shoulders of another, was a colossal presence in Australia's victory, just as he was in the time he spent on the field in the second Test having not been passed to fit to play in the series opener.
The Lions beat Australia 39-22 in the time Skelton was not on the pitch. With Skelton on the field, the Wallabies won 38-24.
Can one man make such an enormous difference? When it is Skelton, unquestionably yes.
