Australia were left incensed after a controversial refereeing decision helped the British & Irish Lions clinch a dramatic series victory in Melbourne. A last-minute try by Hugo Keenan sealed the 2-0 series win, but the Wallabies insist a clear foul in the buildup was missed by officials.
The incident occurred when Jac Morgan, a replacement for the Lions, cleared out Carlo Tizzano at a ruck just before Keenan’s match-winning try. Australian players and coaching staff believed Morgan made contact with the neck and did not maintain legal body position an action they say should have resulted in a penalty and reversal of momentum.
Head coach Joe Schmidt pointed to rugby laws prohibiting contact above the shoulders and insisted the decision undermined ongoing efforts to prioritize player welfare. He claimed Morgan was off his feet and failed to bind properly while making dangerous neck contact. Despite multiple video angles suggesting a possible infraction, the officiating team allowed play to continue.
The Wallabies’ frustration was echoed by their captain, who described the tackle as “shoulder to the neck” and expressed disbelief at the referee’s interpretation. Even former players and pundits weighed in, branding the decision as “completely wrong” and calling for accountability from the officiating group.
On the other hand, the Lions camp defended the decision. Their coach praised the referee’s composure under pressure and described the clear-out as “brilliant,” asserting it was a legal and decisive part of the game. Some players also felt the Wallabies were trying to manipulate the moment to gain an advantage, insisting the tackle was textbook.
The controversy overshadowed what had been a thrilling comeback by the Lions, who overturned a record 19-point deficit to snatch the win in front of a packed stadium. The final try encapsulated the drama, with Keenan backing himself to finish despite calls from his coach to pass. His determination ultimately paid off, sending the Lions into jubilation.
While the Lions celebrated a hard-fought series win, the fallout from the contentious moment continued to dominate the post-match narrative. For the Wallabies, the decision represents a bitter end to a campaign that had shown promise but was derailed in the final moments by what they view as a crucial officiating error.
