Rugby-Lions boss Farrell focused on series sweep after Melbourne victory


  • Rugby
  • Sunday, 27 Jul 2025

(Reuters) -British & Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell is determined to keep his team focused on winning the third and final test against Australia after the tourists wrapped up the series by beating the Wallabies 29-26 in Melbourne on Saturday.

Hugo Keenan's last-minute try secured the win at Melbourne Cricket Ground that gave the Lions an unassailable lead in the three-match series.

"The plan will stay the same," Farrell told reporters. "Win or lose we trust the plan ahead."

It was the Lions' first series win since they beat the Wallabies 2-1 in 2013, and Farrell believes the achievement has earned his players the right to be considered Lions legends.

"We've made history haven't we, so does that warrant that kind of tag?" he said. "Why not? We came to do what we've done tonight and we should all celebrate."

The Lions had to do it the hard way in Melbourne, coming back from 23-5 down in the first half before narrowing the deficit to six points just before the break.

Tadhg Beirne's bulldozing try just before the hour mark reduced the gap further and Keenan's last-minute effort decided the match and the series.

"These are one of the moments in your life that you will cherish, this will live long in the memory," said captain Maro Itoje.

"Often in sport you have to move on to the next thing and focus on what's next, focus on the next challenge and no doubt we will do that after tonight's celebration but every now and again it's important to savour the moment."

(Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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