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Second Test ratings: Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan top men as Lions clinch series

Hugo Keenan scores the winning try
Hugo Keenan scores the winning try

The British and Irish Lions wrapped up a first Test series win since 2013 as they beat Australia 29-26 in Sydney.

It took a last-gasp Hugo Keenan try to down the Wallabies, who looked a completely different outfit from the opening defeat.

Here's how we rated the Lions players.


15. Hugo Keenan – 8

26 July 2025; Hugo Keenan of British & Irish Lions dives over to score his side's fifth try during the second test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The Ireland full-back will go down in legend as the series-winning try-scorer, showing great fitness and guile to work the late score. Had a mixed game before that but came up with a big defensive play in the second half and an assist for Huw Jones' try.

14. Tommy Freeman – 7

Sin-binned for going offside after a referee warning and the Lions shipped 12 points when he was off. Made a great impact upon return but otherwise didn’t get loose to use his pace.

13. Huw Jones – 7

Played second fiddle to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii but got his name on the scoresheet as the Lions mounted their first-half comeback.

12. Bundee Aki – 7.5

26 July 2025; Bundee Aki of British & Irish Lions is tackled by Fraser McReight of Australia during the second test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Did what was asked after coming in for Sione Tuipulotu. Carried hard and tackled hard but was caught for Tom Wright’s try. Made a great break in the second half that led to Tadhg Beirne’s try when the Lions needed some impetus.

11. James Lowe – 7

Carried for hard and clever yards but didn’t kick to his standard. Made a couple of defensive errors but made up with a superb assist for Beirne, beating and drawing defenders to make space for the score.

10. Finn Russell – 8

Another mature, accomplished performance from the out-half. Kicked two conversions but missed three that could have been costly. His touch-kicking from penalties was excellent, putting the Lions in position to strike.

9. Jamison Gibson-Park – 8

Solid outing by the scrum-half, who matched up with an inspired counterpart in Jake Gordon. Spotted the chance on the outside for Tom Curry’s score that started the comeback.

1. Andrew Porter – 7.5

26 July 2025; Andrew Porter of British & Irish Lions during the second test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Slotted into the all-Irish front row and helped the visitors assert dominance up front. Carried well when asked and racked up 16 tackles.

2. Dan Sheehan – 7.5

Busy shift in the middle of the park and again, flawless out of touch. Showed great smarts taking his try in that fashion, diving for the line to negate the predictable incoming chop tackle.

3- Tadhg Furlong – 7.5

Strong showing by the Lions veteran, who has started the last eight consecutive Tests. Never took a backward step and made 11 tackles.

4. Maro Itoje – 7.5

Conceded a couple of early penalties but got through a huge amount of work, was named the official player of the match. Completed 20 tackles.

5. Ollie Chessum – 7

Second best to Will Skelton but put in a solid performance in the second row. Was used in the lineout. Had 13 tackles to his name.

6. Tadhg Beirne – 7.5

26 July 2025; Tadhg Beirne of British & Irish Lions scores his side's fourth try during the second test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Steve Christo/Sportsfile

Had a mixed bag, with a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes with the ball. Took his crucial try brilliantly. Was top-carrier for the Lions with 11 and completed 12 tackles.

7. Tom Curry – 7.5

Another who didn’t reach the heights of last week but got on the scoresheet with a well-taken try at a vital point of the game. Busy and effective at the breakdown and contributed 15 tackles.

8. Jack Conan – 7.5

An unbelievably consistent performer. Does what it says on the tin. His carrying, breakdown play and defence helps everyone else look better. Set up Curry's try.

REPLACEMENTS

16. Rónan Kelleher (for Sheehan 65) – 6.5

26 July 2025; Rónan Kelleher, left, and James Ryan of British & Irish Lions celebrate after the second test match between Australia and the British & Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Helped the Lions get the job done.

17. Genge (for Porter 55) – 7.5

Carried well when he came on and added much-needed energy.

18. Will Stuart (for Furlong 65) – 7

Penalised when the Lions were in good position but made up for that with a carry that led to the winning try.

19. James Ryan (for Chessum 55) – 7.5

Made an instant and hard-hitting impact on his debut. Fitting.

20. Jac Morgan (for Curry 55) – 7

Another who added crunch to the Lions comeback. Rightfully not penalised in the final passage.

22. Owen Farrell (for Jones 61) – 6.5

Cool head for the final stages.

23. Blair Kinghorn (for Lowe 61) – 6.5

Knocked on but made a nice break.

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