Sports Rugby-Union

Valetini shines but Wallabies fall short 29-26 against Lions

Valetini shines but Wallabies fall short 29-26 against Lions
Photo:Reuters

Fijian Wallabies back-rower Rob Valetini delivered a strong performance, but it wasn’t enough as Australia fell to the British and Irish Lions 29-26 in a thrilling encounter before a record-breaking crowd of 90,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last night.

The largest Lions crowd in history packed into the stadium, the atmosphere crackled with tension throughout a pulsating contest.

Hugo Keenan sealed the win for the Lions with a last minute try, clinching the series in spectacular fashion.

Australia led 23-5 at halftime.

Australia stunned the visitors early, running in tries through James Slipper, Jake Gordon and Tom Wright while Lions wing Tommy Freeman served time in the sin-bin.

Tom Lynagh also added key penalties.

The Lions had scored through Dan Sheehan but they were crushed for large parts of the half until they launched a remarkable comeback.

Before the half was over, Tom Curry and Huw Jones both scored.

Despite the loss, Valetini's performance stood out in what was a high tempo and hard fought clash.


Source: BBC Sports

FNRL

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
Scoreboard
9:50PM
Storm vs Panthers
8:00PM
Raiders vs Broncos
10:00PM
Dolphins vs Eels
Full Time
Fiji 22–29 South Africa
8:00am
Ratu Navula College vs Queen Victoria School
9:05am
Marist Brothers High School vs Ratu Kadavulevu School
11:30am
Suva Grammar School vs Queen Victoria School
Kadavu vs Malolo
Navosa vs Ba
Lautoka vs Rewa
Full Time
Suva 24–32 Nadi
Full Time
Tailevu 50–05 Nadroga
Full Time
Kadavu 48–0 Rewa
3:10AM
Springboks vs All Blacks
5:00AM
Lions vs All Blacks