British and Irish Lions roar in thrilling Test win against Australia 

Just like major tournaments, the British and Irish Lions tour comes around once every four years and their latest tour saw them head down under to Australia. Once again, it came and went far too quickly. However, the good news is the Lions came home as winners. 

The tour finished on a bit of a downer as Australia ran out winners in a storm-disrupted final Test on Saturday. But the Lions ultimately won the series 2-1, having won all of their invitational matches as well. 

Ireland coach Andy Farrell was in charge of the Lions for the tour, picking the best English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh players to take on Australia for the 2025 edition. The tour started at the end of June, lasting just over a month. The Lions played matches against Australia’s four Super Rugby franchises, as well as matches against a team made up of players from Australia and New Zealand, plus players of First Nation and Pasifika origin. 

The main event of the tour was a three-match Test series against old foes Australia, who they last played back in 2013. Just like the last meeting 12 years ago, the Lions ran out 2-1 winners this time. Farrell’s side won the first two Tests before losing the finale over the weekend. 

The story of the tour 

Having won their invitational matches fairly convincingly, the Lions went into the first Test against Australia full of confidence. And they carried on that momentum immediately, with Sion Tuipulotu’s try giving them a lead in the eighth minute. 

And while Australia didn’t make things easy, the Lions ultimately came out on top. Further tries from Tom Curry and Dan Sheehan kept them ahead as they started the Test series with a 27-19 triumph in Brisbane. 

The second Test was considerably closer as both sides scored three tries in a thrilling first half. In a cagey affair in front of 90,000 fans at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia looked to be on their way to levelling the series. 

Yet Irish fullback Hugo Keenan had other ideas. The Lions hadn’t won the first two Tests of a series since 1997 but that stat was put to bed by Keenan, who went over to score a dramatic winning try in the 79th minute to secure a thrilling 29-26 victory. 

The final game of the series took place in Sydney on Saturday yet, unlike the opening two, it didn’t quite live up to expectations. The Lions never really got going and weren’t able manage to get on the scoresheet until the second half – although the match was bizarrely disrupted by storms in the area. 

Due to torrential rain and lightning during the second half, the players were forced to leave the field for 40 minutes before it was safe enough to resume play. The match was a bit more even following the break but the Lions struggled to get enough momentum to topple the Aussies, who held on to win 22-12 and avoid a series whitewash. 

Join us for the 2025 Quilter Nations Series 

It’ll be another four years before the best British and Irish players reunite again for another Lions tour. However, they’re all set to compete individually for their nations later this year for the 2025 Quilter Nations Series. 

The annual series sees the best sides from the southern hemisphere flock to Europe to take on their rivals from the northern hemisphere. England failed to impress last year, losing three of their four games, and they’ll be hoping to make amends this time around. 

Steve Borthwick’s side take on Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina and if you fancy enjoying the action from the best seats in the house, why not join us by making the most of our exclusive hospitality packages? 

You’ll be able to enjoy the action from premium reserved seats at the Allianz Stadium, as well as all this: 

• Exclusive official hospitality facility within the South Stand 
• Welcome champagne reception 
• Complimentary bar throughout the day 
• Superb four-course lunch with selected wines 
• Guest appearances and meet and greets with rugby legends 
• Complimentary programme 
• VIP host service throughout the day 

2025 Quilter Nations Series matches 

England v Australia – Saturday 1st November, Allianz Stadium 

England v Fiji – Saturday 8th November, Allianz Stadium 

England v New Zealand – Saturday 15th November, Allianz Stadium 

England v Argentina – Sunday 23rd November, Allianz Stadium 

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