Wallabies Salvage Series Pride with Hard-Fought Win Over Lions in Final Test

Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt says he is encouraged by the progress shown by his team after Australia avoided a series whitewash with a spirited 22-12 win over the British and Irish Lions in Sydney on Saturday night.

While the Lions had already sealed the series with victories in Brisbane and Melbourne, the Wallabies rallied in challenging conditions to secure a morale-boosting triumph in the final Test at Stadium Australia.

Torrential rain and a lightning delay early in the second half added to the drama, with both sides forced off the field for 40 minutes. Despite the disruption, Australia kept their composure and controlled the game once play resumed.

The result marked just the Wallabies' seventh ever Test win over the Lions and came after narrow defeats in the opening two matches - 27-19 in Brisbane and a heart-breaking 29-26 loss in Melbourne.

"I felt we grew throughout the series," Schmidt said post-match. "We lost the first half of the series pretty clearly, but we won the second half. I think we deserved to win both halves of this game."

Saturday's win was especially satisfying for the Wallabies after the controversial finish to the second Test, where Schmidt criticised a refereeing decision that denied his side a late penalty, ultimately leading to the Lions' match-winning try.

"I couldn't be prouder of the way the players responded after the disappointment of last week," he said. "It hit them hard - they needed to feel it, and then move forward."

In the build-up to the third Test, injured prop Allan Alaalatoa delivered a passionate speech to the squad that Schmidt credited as a turning point in the team’s mindset. Alaalatoa missed the final match due to a shoulder injury sustained in Melbourne but played a vital role off the field.

"It was the inspiration the group needed," Schmidt said. "We were a bit flat early in the week, but Allan really lifted us."

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson echoed those sentiments, praising Alaalatoa's leadership and influence.

"He's a leader in every sense," Wilson said. "When he talks, people listen - and he reminded us of what it takes to win: doing whatever it takes for the team. His words really struck a chord."

The Lions entered the series finale aiming for a clean sweep, but their hopes were dented when captain Maro Itoje and winger Tommy Freeman failed head injury assessments, while lock James Ryan was ruled out in the second half with a concussion.

Despite the setbacks, Lions coach Andy Farrell gave full credit to the Wallabies.

"We wanted to win every game, and there's frustration, of course," Farrell said. "But tonight, the better team won. That's just how it is."

Australia held an 8-0 lead when play was halted due to lightning. On resumption, Max Jorgensen capitalised on a Lions mistake to score a crucial try, which Ben Donaldson converted to extend the margin to 15-0 - a lead the visitors couldn't overturn.

The win may not have changed the series outcome, but for the Wallabies, it restored belief, pride, and momentum as they look to the future under Schmidt's leadership.