Australia beat the British and Irish Lions 22-12 in atrocious conditions in Sydney on Saturday to deny the tourists a historic series whitewash.
In a thrilling encounter that was delayed for 37 minutes in the second half due to lightning, Dylan Pietsch, Max Jorgensen, and Tate McDermott scored for the hosts, while Jac Morgan and Will Stuart got over the line for the visitors.
As a result, the Lions won the Test series 2-1, having already secured victories in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Sheehan laments ‘sour taste’ of defeat
Lions hooker Dan Sheehan was visibly frustrated with the result in Sydney, telling Sky Sports: “It’s a bit gutting to be honest.
“Our aim at the start of the tour was a 3-0 victory and fair play to the Wallabies. They came out firing in extremely physical, tough conditions for everyone but all credit to them.
“What a series. Every game has been close. It is disappointing to be honest. It’s not what we wanted tonight and it leaves a bit of a sour taste.
“It’s been a one of a kind journey for me.”
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Wilson ‘so proud’ of Aussie effort
In contrast, Wallabies captain Harry Wilson told Sky Sports of the immense pride he felt in Australia grabbing a consolation victory at a rain-soaked Stadium Australia.
“I’m just so proud of the team,” he admitted. “We were hurting but we came out punching in front of 80,000 people – you’ve got to be proud.
“We know you’ve spoken before about what it means to wear that jersey. You don’t come out here and just go through the motions. We’ve worn that jersey with pride and got the win.
“For us, it’s a great bit of momentum heading into the Rugby Championship. We’re off to South Africa in two weeks, which is going to be a heck of a challenge, so it’s great to get that boost before going over there.”
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Farrell hails ‘the best eight weeks’
Lions head coach Andy Farrell, meanwhile, chose to remain positive about the series as a whole despite the bitter disappointment of defeat in the third Test match.
“This has been a long time in the planning but the best eight weeks of our lives also,” Farrell explained in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I can’t wait to get into the changing rooms and say what I need to say to this group. I know we’re disappointed, but we should be unbelievably proud of what we achieved as a group.
“Lions tours are tough and to do what we’ve done last week and put the series in the bag, upon reflection after tonight, I’m sure we’ll be super proud of the achievements.
“How we got the job done in that type of theatre will live with us forever. These lads have been an absolute dream to work with.”
When asked if he would consider returning to the Lions’ coaching set-up for the 2029 tour of New Zealand, the Englishman was coy, saying: “I’ve loved every single minute of it but that’s a long time off, isn’t it?
“It’s been the time of our lives. I know it seems a bit dramatic but it’s the truth.
“How these boys have come together – we got to create a special memory together. I’m unbelievably proud to be associated with this group.”
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