Summary

  • British and Irish Lions defeat Australia 29-26, having trailed 23-5 in first half at Melbourne Cricket Ground, to clinch series win

  • Hugo Keenan crosses in last minute for match-winning try

  • Dan Sheehan, Tom Curry, Huw Jones and Tadhg Beirne also crossed for Lions

  • James Slipper, Jake Gordon and Tom Wright scored first-half tries for much-improved Australia

  • Lions win first two Tests of a series for first time since 1997 in South Africa

  • Third and final Test of series is in Sydney on 2 August

Live Reporting

Alastair Telfer

  1. Australia 23-17 Lions

    The Lions start strong as Tadhg Beirne makes some good metres. However, he loses it after being tackled.

  2. Replacements - Valetini departs

    Australia 23-17 Lions

    Props Angus Bell and Tom Robertson are on. James Slipper and Allan Alaalatoa make way.

    A big blow is that Rob Valetini departs at half-time for Langi Gleeson. Is he injured? Or was that the plan?

    Rob Valetini of the WallabiesGetty Images

  3. Kick-off

    Australia 23-17 Lions

    More of the same?

  4. HT: Australia 23-17 Lions

    Chris Ashton
    Former England wing

    The Lions will be really happy going in at half-time considering where they were.

    It’s a dangerous one for Australia, they will be disappointed and a bit deflated with the way they have finished that half.

    But this is the match we hoped we’d get last weekend and I'm just glad we're getting a proper contest.

  5. HT: Australia 23-17 Lions

    Lauren Jenkins
    BBC Sport at Melbourne Cricket Ground

    Both sides scored three tries from three entries to contribute to the highest-scoring first half in a Lions Test match.

    It was a breathless 40 minutes with the Wallaby supporters admitting it feels as though they've welcomed back an old friend.

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    Those quick tries are so vital but still lots of work to do. If the Lions can get the basics right and control possession, there's some real impact subs set to come on.

    Anon

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  7. A contest befitting of a Lions series

    HT: Australia 23-17 Lions

    Chris Jones
    BBC rugby union correspondent at Melbourne Cricket Ground

    After an underwhelming opener in Brisbane, this is a contest befitting of a Lions series and of this magnificent stadium.

    Off the pace last week, the Wallabies have been transformed, with Rob Valetini unbelievable in powering his side forward and asking the kind of questions the Lions have not had to answer all tour.

    But after that Aussie onslaught, a brilliant response from the Lions leaves it in the balance at the break.

    Which set of replacements will make the difference in this second half?

  8. HT: Australia 23-17 Lions

    A key thing to note is after James Slipper went over, Tommy Freeman went to the sin-bin as a result of consistent penalties.

    Once he came back on, the Lions scored two tries to cancel out the two tries scored when Freeman was off.

  9. In Pictures: Story of the first half

    HT: Australia 23-17 Lions

    Tom Lynagh of AustraliaGetty Images

    The Wallabies started off strong with Tom Lynagh converting an early penalty

    Dan SheehanGetty Images

    Australia remained in control, until Dan Sheehan powered over to get the Lions back in the game

    Jake GordonGetty Images

    With three tries in quick succession thanks to James Slipper (22'), Jake Gordon (28') and Tom Wright (30'), the Wallabies very much put their mark on this second Test to lead 23-5

    Tom CurryGetty Images

    Tom Curry and Huw Jones then scored tries to bring the Lions back within striking distance

  10. OK, I jumped the gun, Lions are back!

    HT: Australia 23-17 Lions

    Nigel Ringland
    BBC Sport at Melbourne Cricket Ground

    So I may have been a bit premature in predicting a decider in Sydney next week.

    Great resilience from the Lions to get themselves right back into the game.

    One thing is for sure, the benches and their contributions are going to be pivotal in the outcome of this game.

    Cometh the moment? Just saying there's a certain Mr Farrell Jnr waiting in the wings.

    Could he possibly win a Lions Test series for his old man?

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    A stunning late first-half response from the Lions. 23-5 behind after 31 minutes to reducing the deficit to 23-17 by 39 mins. Momentum with the Lions with so many difference-makers on the bench to come.

    Andrew

    Last five minutes have to be a mental body blow for the Aussies. They've played their best rugby for the last five years but they're still only just six points ahead and now very much under the cosh from the ascendant Lions. Great Test match!

    Gareth

  12. Half-time - Australia 23-17 Lions

    What a half of rugby.

  13. Australia 23-17 Lions

    Matt Dawson
    1997, 2001 & 2005 Lions tourist at Melbourne Cricket Ground

    Gibson-Park is starting to get a bit of front-foot ball and dictate the play.

    It's a brilliant response from the Lions having been 23-5 down. The Aussie pack have had their foot on the throttle since the start and are just starting to look a little bit tired.

  14. try

    Converted try - Australia 23-17 Lions

    Huw Jones (con Finn Russell)

    This is a classic!

    Hugo Keenan hits Huw Jones and the Scotland centre does the rest. He showed terrific strength to push his way over. Not an easy finish.

    This time Finn Russell adds the extras.

  15. Australia 23-10 Lions

    Finn Russell goes quick from a penalty and finds a sensational touch deep in Australia's 22.

  16. Australia 23-10 Lions

    Matt Dawson
    1997, 2001 & 2005 Lions tourist at Melbourne Cricket Ground

    The Aussies have done their homework from last week, and they are playing to their strengths.

    Skelton and Valetini are making a massive difference and the Aussies are playing smart rugby.

    The Lions are being ill-disciplined and just giving penalties away.

  17. What a game

    Australia 23-10 Lions

    Chris Jones
    BBC rugby union correspondent at Melbourne Cricket Ground

    Suddenly it feels like the Lions fans are outnumbered in here big time.

    Suaalii with the break after some gorgeous build-up play, and for the first time in this series Tom Wright is able to stretch his legs.

    Brilliant, brilliant stuff from the Wallabies. And as I type, over goes Curry!

    A game to match the occasion.

  18. try

    Try - Australia 23-10 Lions

    Tom Curry

    Jamison Gibson-Park jumps back to the blind-side and finds Jack Conan, who gives Tom Curry a one-on-one. Nice step and the game is back on.

  19. Freeman returns

    Australia 23-5 Lions

    Tommy Freeman is back on. That was a costly yellow card after two tries.

  20. We're onto Sydney... already?

    Australia 23-5 Lions

    Nigel Ringland
    BBC Sport at Melbourne Cricket Ground

    Stunned... not sure anyone saw this coming.

    Onto Sydney for the decider and we've only played half an hour... or am I jumping the gun?

    Australia celebrate a tryGetty Images