Australia beat the Lions 29-23 in this morning's third and decisive test to clinch their first series victory over the Lions after more than a century of trying. Both teams scored two tries in a thrilling decider, which was level at 23-all 12 minutes from time, but the Lions paid the price for their poor discipline, giving away a series of kickable penalties which ultimately proved their downfall.
Centre Daniel Herbert got both Wallaby tries while Matthew Burke celebrated his 50th test appearance with two conversions and five penalties for the world champions in a see-sawing match in which the lead changed five times. Winger Jason Robinson scored the Lions' first try while Jonny Wilkinson added the second, and helped himself to two conversions and three penalties. However, the normally deadly fly-half also missed three penalties.
Australia, who lost the first test 29-13 but levelled the series by winning 35-14 in Melbourne last week, led 16-13 at half-time but were never able to shake off the Lions. With the teams locked together in the 68th minute the tourists gave away a penalty inside their own quarter when they obstructed Australian lock Justin Harrison, who had pinched at least five line-outs in a magnificent test debut.
Burke calmly threaded the ball between the sticks to put the world and Tri-Nations champions in front then kicked another 10 minutes later when replacement Colin Charvis put his hands in the ruck. The deciding match, played in front of more than 84,000 at Sydney's Olympic Stadium, was the tightest and most exciting of the series. Australia had begun badly in the two previous matches but came out full of running this time.
Harrison made an early impression when he stole the ball off the Lions first throw, catching the Lions backs offside and giving Burke his first penalty in the third minute. Wilkinson levelled, Burke kicked another two before Robinson scored in the left corner after great passing by forwards Keith Wood and Tom Smith.
Wilkinson landed the conversion from the touchline to put the Lions 10-9 in front but missed with his next two goal attempts. Burke also missed his next two shots, including an easy one from near the posts, before the Wallabies snatched the lead back. Rob Henderson dropped an easy catch inside his own quarter and the Australians made him pay, recycling the ball through five phases for Herbert to finish near the posts. Burke added the extras to give Australia a 16-10 lead but Wilkinson pulled it back to 16-10 with an injury time penalty.
The Lions regained the lead two minutes after the re-start when Wilkinson scored after a strong build-up inside the Wallaby quarter as the Lions forwards hit the Australian line with a series of rolling mauls. Australia hit the front again seven minutes later when they turned down a shot at goal in pursuit of a try and were rewarded for their decision. Australia won the lineout and number eight Toutai Kefu burst through the defence and the ball went wide for Herbert to cross unopposed.
Burke landed the conversion from the sideline but a Wilkinson penalty brought the scores level at 23-23 with 27 minutes remaining when Herbert hit Irish centre Brian O'Driscoll with a high tackle, for which he was sin-binned.
But the Lions, who had not scored a single point in the last quarter of the two previous matches, failed to make the extra man count and as the Wallabies continued to make the running and another two penalties from Burke edged them six clear. There was still time for a last thrust from the tourists, but after Harrison stole the ball at a dangerous line-out and one final overlap pass went begging, Australia took the honours.
Filed by Shane Murray
