Overview

• The British & Irish Lions wrapped up the Australia series 2-1 despite a 22-12 loss in Sydney that featured a 37-minute lightning suspension.
• Australia secured the final Test victory through early and second-half tries by Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen and replacement scrum-half Tate McDermott in front of 80,312 spectators.
• Lions captain Maro Itoje, wing Tommy Freeman and lock James Ryan all failed head-injury assessments in the decider, forcing reshuffles and highlighting player-welfare challenges.
• Coach Andy Farrell hailed the tour as “an absolute delight,” celebrated the Lions’ first series triumph in Australia since 2013 and hinted at a return in 2029.
• Joe Schmidt praised Australia’s growth over the series and now turns his focus to Rugby Championship tests against world champions South Africa.