The outrage was instant. Social media lit up like Guy Fawkes Night the second the Lions scored that match-winning try in Melbourne. “We were robbed!” cry the Wallabies diehards. Some reckon the whistle should’ve gone their way, penalty awarded, game over, series alive.
Here’s the truth - that was a fair try. The officials got it spot-on. End of.
I’ve replayed it from every angle, and every time I come to the same conclusion - the right call was made. The cleanout from Jac Morgan was legal, and the decision to green light the try was swift.
We’ve all seen it. Different day, different ref, and suddenly the call flips. That’s the frustrating reality of modern rugby – one replay freeze-frame and the game tilts. But this time, they stuck with the on-field decision. They backed themselves. And praise be that they did.
Because here’s the kicker - the ref didn’t cost the Wallabies this test, they cost themselves.
Forget the conspiracy theories, Australia blew this towards the end of the first half. Up 23–5, dominating, cruising. Then Tom Lynagh drops a sitter. Knock-on. Lions score. Score again. An 18-point lead slashed to six after 40 minutes. That’s when the whole thing turned.
From then on, the Lions owned the second half. Outscored the Wallabies 12–3. Two tries to none. They controlled territory, possession, and turned the screw. By the last 10 minutes, it felt inevitable. The Wallabies were clinging on. The Lions? It was in their hands.
That try at the death wasn’t theft, it was the cherry on top of a brilliant comeback from the tourists.
And another point - wasn’t it refreshing to see a decision made quickly, confidently, and correctly? No 10-minute forensic session, no lawyers on Zoom, no endless stoppage while everyone in the ground checks Instagram. The ref made the call, the game flowed, and the right team won.
We need more of that. Rugby’s drowning in over-analysis. This was clarity under pressure. It kept the drama alive and delivered one of the great finishes.
Best game of the year so far? No doubt. The Lions deserved it. The Wallabies will rue their errors, and the ref? He got it absolutely right.
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