Recapping the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia

The British and Irish Lions returned to Australia for the first time since 2013 — and once again, they came away victorious.

Andy Farrell’s side claimed a 2-1 series win over the Wallabies, securing back-to-back triumphs Down Under and adding another chapter to the storied rivalry.

For fans and punters alike, it was a tour packed with drama, late twists and the kind of moments that make a sports free bet feel even more enticing.

Here’s how events unfolded on a memorable tour.

Warm-up matches

The Lions’ preparations didn’t start as planned. Their first fixture — a curtain-raiser at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin — ended in a narrow 28-24 defeat to Argentina. It was a setback, but one quickly put behind them as they boarded the plane for Australia.

Once on tour, the Lions’ form sharpened, albeit not without occasional scrappiness. They posted convincing wins over the Western Force (54-7), Queensland Reds (52-12), NSW Waratahs (21-10), ACT Brumbies (36-24) and an AUNZ Invitational XV, building momentum ahead of the Test series.

First Test – Brisbane: Lions 27–19 Wallabies

The opening clash at Suncorp Stadium couldn’t have started much better for the Lions. A Finn Russell penalty and an early try from Sione Tuipulotu put them 10-0 up within 10 minutes.

Australia responded through rising star Max Jorgensen, but Tom Curry’s score restored the tourists’ control for a 17-5 half-time lead.

Just 90 seconds into the second half, Dan Sheehan crossed to stretch the advantage further. Late tries from Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott narrowed the margin, but Marcus Smith’s penalty ensured the Lions began the series with a comfortable win — their ninth straight Test victory in Brisbane.

Second Test – Melbourne: Lions 29–26 Wallabies

After a midweek win over a First Nations & Pasifika XV, the Lions headed to the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a high-octane second Test.

The first half delivered six tries — three apiece — with the Wallabies taking a 23-17 lead into the break. A penalty early in the second half extended their advantage to nine points, but Farrell’s men staged a thrilling late turnaround.

Tadhg Beirne’s score closed the gap before Hugo Keenan finished off a sweeping move in the final minute. A tense TMO review for a potential penalty had Lions fans holding their breath, but the try stood, sealing the series with one match to spare.

Third Test – Sydney: Wallabies 22–12 Lions

With the series already won, the Lions still had pride — and the chance of a clean sweep — to play for at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.

In wet and blustery conditions, Australia struck first through Dylan Pietsch. A penalty shortly before the break gave the hosts an 8-0 half-time lead.

The second half began chaotically, with a long injury stoppage to James Ryan followed by a 40-minute lightning delay.

Once play resumed, Jorgensen extended Australia’s lead. Jac Morgan hit back for the Lions on the hour mark, but Ronan Kelleher’s yellow card proved costly as McDermott crossed again for the Wallabies. Will Stuart’s late consolation try softened the scoreline, but Australia claimed a deserved win to end the tour on a high.