Lightning strikes as world-class Wallabies outclass Lions in Sydney

The Wallabies have delivered a special 22-12 win over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney.

In the best performance under Joe Schmidt, the hosts came out and were dominant in the wet conditions.

Player of the match Tom Hooper was exceptional in place of Rob Valetini, with Will Skelton producing another world-class performance.

Nic White was awesome in the starting role as the scrumhalf lifted the energy in a world-class win.

The Wallabies showed little signs of hangover from last week’s tough defeat and it was Dylan Pietsch that fired the first shot.

The winger received a pop pass from Joseph-Aukuso Suaali’i and finished excellently in the corner, fired up in the jersey he designed.

Despite the series being decided, the tempers continued to flair as much as the rain poured down.

Will Skelton and Maro Itoje were amongst the action earlier as the second-rows went toe-to-toe.

The Aussies enjoyed the majority of the territory and possession on the back of a strong scrum and kicking game.

It presented the chance for Tom Lynagh to add three more to the lead before going off for a HIA.

The Lions had their own concussions issues, with Itoje failing his test right before the break, as they trailed 8-0 at halftime.

This is where the lightning caused havoc, forcing players from the field after 42 minutes.

It came when lock James Ryan was knocked out after getting his head in the wrong spot trying to tackle Will Skelton.

The play was stopped for close to 40 minutes before the action got back underway.

The Wallabies were unfazed by the delay and up stepped Max Jorgensen.

Jorgensen showed some unbelievable hands after Len Ikitau forced the loose offload, allowing the flyer to race 55 metres to give Australia a 15-0 lead.

This is where the Lions launched their comeback, with Jac Morgan barging over from close just after the hour mark.

However, unlike the second Test in was short lived as the Australian pressure forced penalty after penalty and Ronan Kelleher to the bin as the unlucky man to infringe one too many times.

It provided the space around the ruck for Tate McDermott to scope and find the line, restoring their lead.

From here, the Australians produced a fine defensive performance to shut out the Lions.

Jeremy Williams came up with a host of turnovers as the Wallabies held onto the lead.

Wallabies 22 (Pietsch, Jorgensen, McDermott tries; Donaldson 2 cons; Lynagh pen) def British & Irish Lions 12 (Morgan, Stuart tries; Russell con)

Source: rugby.com.au